Fort McMurray travellers among Canadians stranded as violence hits Puerto Vallarta

By Alex Covarrubias, 9 April 2006. Based on the arms by Juan Manuel Gabino Villascán. - Mexican Government, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=374591

Puerto Vallarta — The killing of one of Mexico’s most powerful cartel leaders has triggered a wave of violence across parts of the country, leaving thousands of Canadian tourists sheltering in resorts and airports while flights in and out of Puerto Vallarta remain disrupted.

Mexican authorities say Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed in a military operation Sunday. Security officials say cartel members responded with coordinated attacks, setting vehicles ablaze, blocking roads and clashing with security forces across multiple states.

At least 73 people have been reported killed in the unrest, including members of Mexico’s National Guard and suspected cartel operatives. Shelter-in-place orders were issued in parts of Jalisco state, including Puerto Vallarta, a popular destination for Canadian vacationers.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says more than 26,000 Canadians registered in Mexico with Global Affairs Canada, including roughly 8,000 who signed up following the latest violence. The federal government says the true number of Canadians currently in the country is likely much higher, since registration is voluntary.

Among those affected are travellers from across Canada, including at least a dozen residents from Fort McMurray, Alta., many of whom are waiting out the situation in resorts while monitoring local advisories.

Laura Deborah, a Fort McMurray resident staying in the Puerto Vallarta area, said the situation inside her resort contrasts sharply with reports of unrest nearby.

“Honestly on the resort right now it’s very calm and relaxed,” she said. “Our beach can be accessed by anyone publicly which is somewhat unsettling because we have our young son with us. However we do feel safe as we’re not straying too far from the resort. We haven’t been contacted by our airlines as we don’t fly until Saturday but the airport was shut down yesterday and only certain flights are operating today.”

Canadian condo owner Lisa Moretto says despite the heavy military presence, she feels safe.

But she says she was just minutes away from one of the explosions on Sunday.

Still, she does not have any immediate fear for her safety and believes tourists are not being targeted.

Canadian carriers including Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, Flair and Air Transat suspended flights in and out of Puerto Vallarta as violence unfolded. Some airlines say operations could gradually resume as security conditions stabilize, but many travellers remain stranded amid limited transportation and disrupted airport services.

Officials are urging Canadians in affected regions to follow instructions from local authorities, stay inside secure accommodations when advised and avoid unnecessary travel. Global Affairs Canada says travellers should monitor local media, keep travel documents accessible and remain in contact with airlines or tour operators regarding rebooking and expenses.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said authorities are working to restore normalcy and reopen transportation networks, while Canadian officials say they expect conditions to improve in the coming days.

Canadians travelling abroad are encouraged to register with Global Affairs Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive alerts and updates during emergencies. The federal government’s emergency watch and response centre can be reached at 613-996-8885, and travellers can also email sos@international.gc.ca for assistance.