Drunk swimmer dies in Cancún lagoon, body recovered

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Firefighters in Cancún recovered the body of a man who reportedly entered the ABC Lagoon to swim while intoxicated. The search operation lasted several hours before the victim was located at a depth of approximately five meters.

Victim Identified as 54-Year-Old Tabasco Native

According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when a 54-year-old man, identified as a laborer originally from Tabasco, entered the lagoon—a sascabera (limestone quarry pit) located in the El Pedregal neighborhood of Cancún’s Supermanzana 531. Witnesses told authorities the man appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and ignored warnings from bystanders not to enter the water.

After losing sight of the swimmer, concerned onlookers alerted emergency services.

Search Operation Under Challenging Conditions

Personnel from Civil Protection and the Cancún Fire Department immediately launched a search operation. Despite low visibility, rescuers used lamps and specialized maneuvers to locate the victim’s body several hours later.

Forensic teams from the State Attorney General’s Office and the Forensic Medical Service (SEMEFO) arrived at the scene to retrieve the body and conduct an autopsy.

Authorities Warn Against Swimming in Unauthorized Areas

Officials reiterated warnings to the public about the dangers of swimming in unauthorized bodies of water, particularly those lacking safety measures, proper signage, or supervision. They emphasized that such areas pose significant risks, especially when individuals are under the influence of alcohol or during adverse weather conditions.

The incident remains under investigation.