Mexican Tourist Missing While Swimming Near Green Island
Green Island, Taitung, Taiwan — May 30, 2025
A 26-year-old Mexican man was reported missing on Wednesday afternoon while swimming with friends in the waters off Taiwan’s scenic Green Island (綠島), according to Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA). The incident has sparked an urgent search and rescue operation, prompting questions about tourist safety, ocean conditions, and coastal preparedness at Taiwan’s top marine tourism destinations.
📍 Timeline of the Incident
- Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
- Time of Report: Around 4:30 PM local time
- Location: Chaikou Dive Spot, near the northeast coast of Green Island
- Who: A 26-year-old Mexican national, reportedly visiting Taiwan with a group of international friends
According to eyewitness accounts, the man was last seen struggling against a sudden current while snorkeling near the popular Chaikou diving area, which is known for its vibrant coral reefs but also has pockets of unexpected underwater turbulence.
His friends immediately contacted authorities after losing sight of him, and the CGA launched a joint search mission involving boats, divers, drones, and a helicopter. As of Thursday evening, the man remains missing, with continued efforts expected to extend into the weekend.
🌊 Why This Matters: Context and Commentary
🧭 Green Island’s Dual Identity: Paradise and Peril
Green Island is a volcanic island off Taiwan’s southeastern coast, famous for its crystal-clear waters, diving culture, and ecotourism appeal. Each year, it draws tens of thousands of visitors — both local and foreign — particularly during spring and summer.
But this paradise hides real danger.
Certain coastal areas, including the Chaikou and Shilang diving zones, have been notoriously difficult to navigate for novice swimmers or tourists unfamiliar with Taiwan’s offshore currents and changing tides.
Oceanographers note that while Taiwan’s east coast appears calm, rapid current shifts due to underwater terrain and wind convergence can pull swimmers far from shore within minutes.
🚩 Safety Shortcomings in Tourist Infrastructure
In recent years, local officials in Taitung County and the Tourism Bureau have tried to promote Green Island as an eco-tourism hotspot. However, the rise in tourist numbers has not been matched by an increase in multilingual safety signage, lifeguard stations, or coastal warning systems.
Local dive instructors have voiced concerns:
“Tourism is booming, but our safety education is not keeping pace. Most foreign visitors are not warned about the undercurrents or reef drops,” said one instructor from a local diving school.
🚁 Search Efforts and Current Conditions
As of Friday morning, the search operation has involved:
- Two Coast Guard boats
- Divers sweeping the reef zones
- Drone reconnaissance
- A National Airborne Service Corps helicopter
The weather has been cooperative, with good visibility and moderate winds, allowing teams to expand the search perimeter. However, oceanic visibility below the surface has been limited by coral sediment and shifting tides — a common challenge in these waters.
🌐 Tourism, Risk, and Responsibility
This tragedy sheds light on a broader issue: the balance between tourism promotion and visitor safety.
Taiwan has made significant efforts in recent years to attract international tourists, especially from Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Japan, through visa waivers and travel campaigns. Yet, emergency readiness and multilingual orientation for international visitors remain insufficient.
Experts suggest that this incident should prompt:
- Mandatory safety briefings at all snorkel/dive rentals
- Expansion of lifeguard training and deployment
- Creation of real-time ocean hazard alerts in English, Spanish, and other major languages
❓ FAQs
Where exactly did the incident occur?
The man went missing while swimming near Chaikou, a well-known diving and snorkeling area on the northeastern coast of Green Island, Taitung County.
What is known about the missing individual?
The missing person is a 26-year-old male Mexican tourist, visiting with friends. His name has not been publicly released for privacy reasons.
What are the dangers at Green Island’s coast?
Although visually stunning, the waters around Green Island are known for sudden currents, reef shelves, and wave surges that can pose serious dangers, especially for tourists unfamiliar with local ocean behavior.
What is being done to find him?
A full-scale search and rescue operation is underway involving boats, divers, drones, and helicopters, led by the Coast Guard and supported by local rescue teams.
Has this happened before?
Yes, Green Island has recorded multiple drowning and near-drowning incidents in recent years, especially during the summer tourist season. Experts continue to call for improved safety standards.
