Officials have reported the discovery of eight Chinese nationals deceased on a beach in Oaxaca, Mexico, following the capsizing of their boat. The tragic incident occurred along a path frequented by illegal migrants aiming for the United States.
The victims, comprising seven women and one man, were passengers on a vessel that departed from Chiapas state, adjacent to Guatemala, last Thursday. The boat was under the operation of a Mexican national. Among the passengers, only one survivor has been reported, while details regarding the fate of the boat’s operator remain uncertain.
The Oaxaca prosecutor’s office located the bodies near Playa Vicente town’s beach and has initiated an investigation into the accident’s cause. Efforts are underway, in collaboration with the Chinese embassy in Mexico, to identify the deceased individuals.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of migrants attempting to cross into the US from Mexico, surpassing 6.3 million unauthorized entries since 2021. This surge began in 2018, predominantly fueled by individuals from Central America escaping challenges such as gang violence, poverty, political unrest, and natural calamities.
Notably, there has been a significant rise in migrants from China, driven by the desire to flee economic difficulties and political constraints in their homeland. Last year, approximately 37,000 Chinese nationals were apprehended at the US-Mexico border, marking an increase of about 50 times compared to two years prior.
The escalating migrant influx has placed considerable strain on Mexico’s immigration facilities and shelters. This situation has prompted the US to increase pressure on Mexico to curb the flow of illegal immigration, a topic that has become a focal point in the ongoing US presidential election campaign.
