FRIDAY THE 13th—SURFERS TO THE RESCUE

Translation: Heido Sundstrom

Tropical Storm “Manuel” in the Pacific and Hurricane “Ingrid” in the Gulf of Mexico made for a lethal combination in low-lying areas, banks and lagoons in Acapulco, Guerrero.

Irregular land settlements, permits from the government allowing construction on wetlands, corruption, lack of a disaster-prevention culture and many other factors contributed to the fact that a portion of Acapulco lay underwater.

The government’s slow response to assist the population led to the citizens coming together in rescue efforts. Anonymous heroes and others recognized by the media emerged from the disaster. The surfers took their boards but not to catch waves, instead to rescue the people whose houses were flooded and paddle them to shelter.

There were also the volunteer lifeguards from the Zona Diamante, many of whom are surfers and understand the ocean’s currents. They were given the task of helping the population with their longboards, jet skis, canoes and motorboats, risking their lives by facing currents that ran through the streets, walking and swimming in the water, in the mud, sometimes sinking up to their waists and risking crocodile attacks due to the high waters that prompted the reptiles out of their natural habitat, the “Laguna Negra” (“Black Lagoon”) of Puerto Marquez. These volunteer lifeguards are largely neglected by the government and promised seasonal work but have yet to receive any kind of compensation to date.

Others organized donation centers, inviting the Acapulco surfing community to support those who were hit hard by the flooding. Surfers supporting and standing in solidarity, while many others are totally unaware of the problem. Many have come together, though, helping in the recovery efforts in their community and town, as the beaches lay littered with trash, logs and trees that cover the sand.

These stories have come to light over the last few days, revealing brave acts, heroic efforts and selfless heroes.