The body of the young tourist who disappeared at San Agustinillo beach was found Sunday evening after three days of searching.
The outcome was confirmed by state and municipal Civil Protection officials, who stated that the discovery was made after a search conducted by the Puerto Ángel Port Authority, the navy, the state Civil Protection office, lifeguards and residents of San Agustinillo, Mazunte, Zipolite, local fishermen, tourist service providers and Santa María Tonameca municipal authorities.
The victim was 17-year-old Valiant Hugh Niel Ponce, from Australia, who on March 2 waded into the waters at San Agustinillo, a town and beach located 68 kilometers east of Puerto Escondido.
Witnesses that included the teen’s parents saw him get caught by what probably was a strong rip current that dragged him away until they lost sight of him.
The search for the youth started immediately, to no avail.
On Saturday, the young swimmer’s friends and relatives met at the beach where they last saw him and, accompanied by residents of San Agustinillo, performed a ritual in which they pleaded with the sea to bring up the remains of the unfortunate young man.
Those in attendance lit candles and released flowers into the sea as they started praying.
The ritual was celebrated with the hope that the search would have favorable results and the youth’s body would soon be located.
With reports by NSS Oaxaca, La Onda Oaxaca, El Imparcial
