Killers storm beach and execute man before escaping on jet skis

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Tourists were forced to run for their lives after a man was shot dead by hitmen fleeing on jet skis in Cancun, Mexico.

The 30-year-old Mexican man, who has not been named by police, was shot outside the five-star Riu Hotel.

Two of the gunmen were beachgoers who walked up to the man before firing, bystanders said.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Guests fled for cover as chaos gripped the beach on Kukulcán Boulevard yesterday afternoon, sheltering in the £750-a-night hotel lobby and calling loved ones amid the screams.

Hotel Riu said the victim was neither a guest nor an employee, while local newspaper Turquesa News reported he was in charge of the jet skis.

Killers fled on jet skis after shooting man in Cancun hotel pool — Footage from the lobby showed people calling their loved ones and panicking (Photo: X)

October 2, 2024 - Tourists seek shelter at the Riu hotel after a person was shot dead outside this hotel in Cancun's hotel zone — The search for the shooters is ongoing (Photo: Riviera Maya News)

Cancun, Mexico - September 17, 2021: View of the beautiful Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas in Cancun's Hotel Zone. Riviera Maya region in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. Panoramic aerial view of everything; Shutterstock ID 2045636750; purchase_order: -; function: -; client: -; other: - — Gang violence has long been a problem in Cancun, a seaside resort on the Caribbean Sea (Photo: Shutterstock/Mariakray)

Prosecutors believe the incident may be linked to the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old in the same area in June – the killers, who allegedly planned to attack a drug dealer, also fled on jet skis.

Two of the killers fled on foot while the others boarded jet skis, while police sent a Marina boat to track them down.

One of the gunmen sprinted along the beach of the neighboring Dreams Hotel.

He was wearing dark Bermuda shorts and a black shirt.

The search for the suspect continues, with drug trafficking and cartel violence being the main lines of investigation.

The British Foreign Office says British tourists should exercise caution when visiting parts of the seaside resort of Cancun.

“Rival criminal gangs have clashed in popular tourist destinations in Cancun and surrounding areas. Gangs have not targeted tourists, but violent incidents can affect anyone in the area. “Several shootings have affected tourists since 2021,” the department said.

‘Be very careful after dark in downtown Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Stay in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist areas. Follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator.’

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