Mexican authorities have taken three individuals into custody related to the vanishing of two Australian brothers and an American during a surf trip in Baja California, a region notorious for its high crime rates. The missing individuals, identified as Jake and Callum Robinson from Perth, along with American Jack Carter Rhoad, have not been seen since last Saturday, sparking an extensive search along Mexico’s northwestern coast.
The investigation escalated after Debra Robinson, the mother of the Australian brothers, posted a plea on Facebook seeking any information on her sons, both in their 30s. She highlighted the urgency of finding Callum, a type one diabetic, noting a significant medical concern due to his condition. The trio was last known to be near Punta San Jose, a favored camping spot close to Ensenada. They had plans to check into an Airbnb in Rosarito after their camping trip but never appeared.
Local authorities, led by Baja California’s chief prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez, confirmed the arrest of a woman and two men who are currently being questioned in connection with the disappearance. Andrade Ramírez disclosed that several items, including tents and a vehicle, have been recovered, with the investigation still exploring all potential leads.
Further details revealed by Jorge Argoud, the deputy director of security in Ensenada, included the discovery of a cellphone and a vehicle associated with the missing tourists. Australian media reports suggest the phone, found in the possession of the arrested woman, belonged to one of the Robinson brothers and played a crucial role in tracing her location through GPS. The reports also noted that the woman was found with drugs and had romantic connections with one of the arrested men.
The case has drawn attention from both Australian and US authorities, amidst concerns about the delayed reporting of the group’s disappearance. The region’s allure for surfers, particularly those from California, is shadowed by its reputation for violence stemming from local drug cartel activities, prompting travel advisories from several foreign governments.
