Hurricane Odile: British couple missing off coast of Mexico
Pair named as Paul Whitehouse and Simone Wood in reports
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A British couple have been reported missing after Hurricane Odile struck Mexico at the weekend.
The pair have been named in reports as Paul Whitehouse and Simone Wood and are understood to have gone missing when their yacht overturned in the La Paz harbour in Baja California.
Hurricane Odile left a trail of destruction when it hit the Baja California Peninsula last Sunday, knocking power and water supplies and sparking widespread looting.
Helicopters are being deployed in the search for pair, who are believed to be from Wolverhampton and London. They are thought to have been living on their yacht for a year.
Mr Whitehouse is understood to be a scuba instructor in the city of La Paz. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: “We are aware two British nationals have been reported missing off the coast of Mexico. We are in touch with local authorities and are providing consular assistance to their families."
The British Embassy in Mexico has advised British nationals in those areas of Baja California and Baja California Sur affected by the hurricane to leave through Los Cabos International airport.
Three people have been confirmed dead following the category three hurricane - two Korean citizens and a German man who reportedly died from a heart attack.
Mexican authorities have deployed more than 8,000 army, navy and federal police personnel to prevent looting in the area.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments