Growing concerns surround the disappearance of three tourists, including a US citizen, as Mexican authorities detain three individuals for questioning in connection with the case.
During the ongoing search in the area where the men were last seen, authorities discovered a vehicle, tents, and a cell phone. American Jack Carter Rhoad and Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson were reported missing on April 29, according to the Baja California prosecutor’s office. The trio is believed to have been on a surfing and camping trip near the municipality of Ensenada, approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of Tijuana.
Maria Elena Andrade Ramirez, Baja California’s chief public prosecutor, stated at a news conference on Thursday, “At this moment, a team of investigators is in the location where it seems they were seen for the last time, where tents were found along with some evidence that could be related to these three people included in the investigation.”
Three Mexican nationals are being questioned in connection with the case, though their status as suspects is unclear. Despite recent cartel violence in Baja California, such incidents are rare in tourist areas like Ensenada.
In social media posts, the mother of the missing Australians stated that the three friends have been unreachable since April 27 after they failed to show up at an Airbnb in the nearby coastal resort of Rosarito. She also expressed concern about Callum’s diabetes and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Debra Robinson posted on Instagram, “Australian friends Jake and Callum Robinson have gone missing around Rosarita/Ensenada region of Baja California Norte Saturday morning. They were likely surfing. Callum is diabetic—this is a very dire situation.”
According to CNN affiliate Seven News, the brothers are from Perth, Western Australia. Jake, 30, is a doctor, while Callum, 33, lives in San Diego, California, and is a member of Australia’s national lacrosse team, the Seven report said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concern over the brothers’ disappearance, stating, “We certainly hope that these brothers are found safely, but there is real concern about the fact that they’ve gone missing. Their mother is obviously very distressed about this. And we just hope for a positive outcome.”
Mexican authorities are collaborating with US and Australian counterparts, according to the Baja California state attorney’s office.
CNN has reached out to the US consulate in Tijuana for comment.
CNN’s Karol Suarez, Fidel Gutierrez, and Angus Watson contributed to this report. Additional reporting by Reuters.