Cancun, Q.R. — An investigation into the possible drowning of a young school girl on an international school trip continues. The 7 year old Uruguayan student died during an organized catamaran trip over the weekend.
The international school trip from Uruguay to Mexico was organized by an educational institution in Mercedes, Uruguay. The girl, Guillermina Falcón Santos, was part of a group of students and family members who traveled to Quintana Roo.
The July 5 catamaran tour was part of a planned excursion during their visit to the Mexican Caribbean. The children swam in the sea as part of the tour, however, during the return, the girl showed symptoms of malaise, vomited and lost consciousness shortly after.
A doctor onboard provided first aid and indicated that the minor could have suffered water aspiration which raised suspicions of a possible secondary drowning. Mexican authorities have launched a forensic investigation to determine the exact cause of death, although they have not yet released an official report.
Mexican authorities are also working with the Uruguayan Foreign Ministry who will assist the family in completing the necessary procedures for the return of the body.
