Tourist Saved at Cancún Beach, Partner Still Missing in Currents

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Lifeguards rescued a 28-year-old female tourist from drowning at Playa Chac Mool in Cancún on Sunday afternoon, while her partner remains missing after being swept away by strong currents. The incident occurred despite red flag warnings advising against entering the water due to hazardous conditions.

Rescue Efforts Amid Dangerous Conditions

The couple, believed to be foreigners staying at a timeshare property near Playa Chac Mool at Kilometer 9 of Boulevard Kukulcán, ignored safety advisories and entered the sea around 6 p.m. Powerful waves quickly overwhelmed them, making it impossible for them to return to shore.

Two lifeguards stationed at the watchtower attempted the rescue. One managed to pull the unconscious woman from the water, while four additional lifeguards from nearby beaches joined the effort to locate her partner. However, worsening waves and winds exceeding 40 kilometers per hour forced them to suspend the search by 9:30 p.m.

"The surf is extremely rough, and sandbanks are forming, making it too risky to continue," said Alex, one of the lifeguards. "All we can do now is conduct shoreline patrols and hope the missing swimmer washes up. A Coast Guard vessel is monitoring offshore, but conditions are making the search nearly impossible."

Medical Response and Ongoing Search

The rescued woman was transported to a Red Cross facility for medical treatment. Authorities have not confirmed whether alcohol played a role in the incident.

A nighttime shoreline search was organized, though hopes of finding the missing individual alive diminished as the hours passed. The operation resumed at dawn, though officials acknowledged the likelihood of a tragic outcome.

This marks the latest in a series of drowning incidents at Cancún’s beaches. Just days earlier, another tourist died at Playa Gaviota Azul on Good Friday.

Authorities reiterated warnings for beachgoers to heed red flag alerts and avoid entering the water during hazardous conditions. The search for the missing individual continues.