Three bodies were found near a popular Mexican surfing destination where an American and two Australian tourists vanished, nearly a week after they were last seen in the province of Baja California. Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, and brothers Callum, 33, and Jake Robinson, 30, were enjoying a surfing vacation in the port city of Ensenada, documenting their trip on social media until the posts mysteriously stopped and they failed to arrive at an Airbnb. Investigators suspected foul play when abandoned tents in the area were linked to the missing surfers, along with a burnt white pick-up truck similar to the one the men were driving.
Mexican police are investigating three people in connection with the men’s disappearance but did not confirm if they were considered suspects. One of the individuals, a 23-year-old woman, was detained with drugs and a cellphone that had a wallpaper photo of one of the missing men. The chief prosecutor of Baja California stated that a working team of investigators was at the site where the men were last seen, gathering evidence that could be linked to the three people under investigation. The condition of the missing men is unknown, and while drug cartels are active in the area, all lines of investigation are currently open.
The missing Australians’ mother, Debra Robinson, made an appeal for help in finding her sons, Jake and Callum, who she had not heard from since Saturday. Callum, who is diabetic, shared social media posts of their vacation along the Pacific Coast before they vanished. The men were seen enjoying local food and activities at Rosarito Beach before moving to Ensenada. Callum shared what is believed to be the same white pick-up truck that was found burned at the abandoned camp where the investigation was focused.
The state of Baja California is known for its high levels of violence, although tourist areas like Ensenada are considered safer. The US State Department advises Americans to reconsider travel to the state due to crime and kidnapping risks. The Australian embassy in Mexico is working closely with Mexican authorities and the Australian Federal Police to assist in the investigation and support the families of the missing men. While prosecutors did not confirm if the bodies found were those of the missing men, they stated they were aware of the reports and closely monitoring the situation.
The friends had been missing for several days before they were reported missing, making the investigation more challenging. The chief prosecutor emphasized that all lines of investigation were open at that time and the priority was to find the missing men. The investigation team is gathering important information that cannot be made public at this time. The whereabouts and condition of the missing men remain unknown, and authorities are working diligently to determine what happened to the trio of surfers. The families of the missing men are receiving support and updates from relevant authorities during this distressing time.
