Three Bodies Found in Baja California Believed to be Missing Surfers

The bodies of three missing surfers, including one American and two Australian brothers, have been found in an isolated area near La Bocana, approximately 130 miles south of San Diego, according to Mexican authorities. The victims are believed to be Carter Rhoad, a San Diego man, and Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson, who went missing while surfing in Ensenada on April 27.

Why this matters: The disappearance and murder of these three surfers highlights the ongoing issue of cartel violence in Baja California, which poses a significant threat to tourists and locals alike. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased cooperation between international law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime and ensure public safety.

The search for the men was delayed because their families did not immediately report them missing, said Baja California Attorney General María Elena Andrade Ramírez. The families only notified the authorities a few days after the men failed to show up at an Airbnb near K38, a popular surfing spot close to the U.S.-Mexico border.

A woman and two men have been taken into custody and are being considered persons of interest in the case. The woman was found with a phone belonging to one of the Australian surfers and a bag of drugs. Carter Rhoad's white pickup truck was located on Wednesday and had been set on fire.

The Baja California Attorney General's Office, the FBI, and U.S. and Australian consulate officials are working together on the case. The FBI is in contact with the family of the U.S. citizen. "The FBI continues to work with our international law enforcement partners in resolving this ongoing situation," wrote Kira Boyd, FBI Public Affairs Officer in San Diego.

The investigation is still in its early stages, and the official cause of death has not been determined. Authorities found clues suggesting foul play was involved when they searched the men's camping tents. "Very important hours were lost," said Attorney General Andrade Ramírez, referring to the delay in filing missing persons reports.

The area where the men vanished is known for cartel violence, with an average of six murders per day, mostly revenge killings. "There's no glimpse of a solution in the short term, and it shows signs of getting worse and more intense," said Víctor Clark Alfaro, director of the Binational Center for Human Rights in Tijuana. A paddle-out ceremony is planned for Sunday at San Miguel Beach near Ensenada to honor the missing men.

Key Takeaways

• Three missing surfers, including one American and two Australian brothers, found dead in Baja California.
• Victims believed to be Carter Rhoad, Callum and Jake Robinson, who went missing while surfing on April 27.
• Cartel violence suspected, with three persons of interest in custody, including a woman with a surfer's phone and drugs.
• FBI, U.S. and Australian consulate officials collaborating on the case with Mexican authorities.
• Investigation ongoing, with foul play suspected, and a paddle-out ceremony planned to honor the victims.