Boca del Río, Veracruz – On Sunday afternoon, a routine weekend getaway turned tragic at Langostas Beach, located along the Gulf of Mexico opposite Miguel Alemán Boulevard. A 19-year-old tourist from Almoloya, State of Mexico, entered the water with friends and never returned. Emergency line operators at C5i received panicked calls reporting a swimmer in distress.
Tourist Drowns at Langostas Beach
State Police (SSP) paramedics, Civil Protection personnel, and Boca del Río police officers launched a swift response. They found the young man unconscious and swept by the surf roughly 50 meters from shore. Lifeguards joined the search, and minutes later, they recovered his body. Paramedics confirmed he had no vital signs.
A criminal forensic expert from the Boca del Río prosecutor’s office examined the victim on the sand. He ruled the cause of death as anoxia due to submersion (drowning). Authorities did not report signs of foul play. The body remains at the local medical examiner’s facility pending family notification and formal release.
The victim had arrived in the metropolitan area with friends to enjoy the weekend. Family members said he planned to spend only a few days in Veracruz. Friends described him as an avid swimmer who was cautious, but he underestimated the strength of the waves that day.
Authorities Urge Caution
Beach authorities reminded visitors that currents can shift suddenly even in normally calm conditions. Lifeguards monitor the beach and post flag warnings. Officials urged swimmers to stay within designated areas and to obey red flags indicating dangerous waters. “Respect the flags and follow lifeguard instructions,” said one Civil Protection officer.
Local tourism promoters noted that Langostas Beach draws large crowds on Sundays. They said the site offers clear water and easy access, but can become hazardous when winds pick up. Emergency teams patrol the shore to assist swimmers and educate visitors on safety protocols.
In recent years, the municipality of Boca del Río has invested in additional lifeguard stations and first-aid tents along busy beaches. Authorities encourage the public to report any signs of trouble immediately by calling 911. They also recommend that inexperienced swimmers wear life vests.
The tragedy underscores the need for vigilance. Beachgoers should swim in groups and keep an eye on their companions. Parents must supervise children at all times. Visitors unfamiliar with local conditions should ask lifeguards about tide patterns before entering the water.
As the investigation concludes, the prosecutor’s office will release a full report to the victim’s family. Municipal officials plan to review safety measures and strengthen public warnings at Langostas Beach. Meanwhile, the community mourns a young life lost to the sea.