Tragic Accident Takes Life of High School Student in Cancun

GradCity has suspended all snorkeling cruises for students traveling to Cancun, Mexico for the remainder of their travel season. The company made the decision following a snorkeling accident which took the life of Lisa Chung, a high school student from Grand Prairie, Texas.

This incident occurred on Saturday, June 7, during which a catamaran operated by a local company took on water, forcing all passengers, 120 of which traveled with GradCity, to evacuate the boat and swim to shore or accept the aid of rescue vessels.

The passengers were on a routine snorkeling excursion off the coast of Cancun when the incident occurred. Several passengers were injured in the incident, including Lisa Chung, who died on Tuesday afternoon.

The local cruise operator, Servicios Maritimos y Acuaticos del Caribe s.a. de C.V. is registered with the Communications & Transportation Department. The capacity of the vessel, Sea Star, far exceeded the number on board. On the day of the partial sinking, passengers boarded the boat at approximately 12:00 p.m. and traveled just off the shore line to snorkel.

Since 1987, GradCity professionals have arranged and hosted thousands of students and parents on tours to the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada and various destinations in the United States.