Hualta Expedition Postponed

[Scott]

just got this update:

"Huautla Cave Diving Expedition

The 2011 expedition to the Hualta system has been postponed until 2013 because of the current state of safety in Mexico. The region in which the system lies in can only allow a small exploration window during the dry season and given other constraints we feel the next opportunity is likely to be 2013. We thank all the sponsors and supporters for helping and hope for your support in the future as we make plans."

Wonder if they need security personnel?

Scott

[jlillest]

If only it were that easy. The Cartels have a whole different playbook than the usual players in Mexico. It used to be that on your drive south across the border you'd get hassled by the Mexican border checkpoint, then 25km later by Mexican customs, then another 25km later you'd get hassled by the military checkpoint. Then, you'd get hit up for bribes every few hours by any cop that could find an excuse to pull you over.

With the explosion of Cartel power struggles along the east coat of Mex (Matamoros to Veracruz), it has become downright silly to drive through Mexico anymore. We've come to the conclusion that the Cartels have borrowed a playbook from the Russian Mafia, because they seem to kill anybody for fun and/or profit.

On top of that, the Cartels aren't just confined to the border zone like the news makes it appear. Earlier this year we were driving through Tuxtepec(not far from Huatla in the state of Oaxaca) the same day that the Zetas decided to make a hit on a biker bar/shop in the same town. Luckily we never came close to any action, but we figured we'd be safe in the south of Mexico, although we did go through an extra 3-4 military checkpoints because of it.

Luckily, most of the cave diving in Mexico is "relatively" isolated from these troubles.

-Jon

[Squirrel Girl]

Luckily, most of the cave diving in Mexico is "relatively" isolated from these troubles.

Not entirely. Cancun has been having more and more issues. A couple months ago, a guy from work got a free trip there from his wife's boss. I think the day before he left, 8 people were killed in a bar. Then there were others killed in a cave, I think after our June trip. So far, tourists seem generally safe in the Cancun area, but I do sort of keep my eye on the news.

[Scott]

8 people were killed in a bar.

I remember that. Guy through grenades through the window. There was other stuff going on with that too.

A few months ago, private security firms were hiring former EOD/Bomb Techs to head down there and help out with the IED and VBIED problem.

It really is a shame. Hopefully things settle down within the next few years.

[AB8CD]

You'd think the flights would be cheaper...

First swine flu then hand grenades.

[adam0321]

maybe a good time to get out of the corps. we had Force teams there before I see it again. Ill go PSD for anyone willing to take me diving

[rchrds]

adam- I'll keep that in mind. Keep your DD214 handy.

[Scott]

Ill go PSD for anyone willing to take me diving

Same here.

[adam0321]

See now you guys have 360 security

[JCGoodwin]

Hello and I have feared that this violence would hinder the plans of cavers.
My friend was trying to get me convinced to visit in May but I am not all that comfortable and my wife said NO WAY!
I was wanting to vist in the fall or winter 2011 but may choose to go somewhere else.
This is not good for the tourism business one bit so I am confident that the Government will get it handled hopefully soon.
With out a doubt either way the US will be offering assistance soon if not already.

I shudder the thought of having to travel with AR's and armed guards to safely go cave diving.
If that is the way it is then I hope you guys are current and can shoot straight!
I see from the reports the cartels are armed very well better than many Gov. troops.
Crazy that the GP is being drug into these conflicts but the money / control of these cartels reaches into many regions. SCAREY!
Gives a different meaning to safe diving practices!
JCG