During initiation rite

At least six National Guardsmen drowned

(Bild: AFP (Archivbild))

The incident happened on February 20 in the northwestern coastal city of Ensenada in the state of Baja California. Relatives reported that the training had already ended when the National Guardsmen in training were ordered to go into the sea from a beach in combat uniform and boots, despite the high waves.

Four of the men survived the "exercise". So far, the bodies of six of the initially seven missing recruits have been recovered.

Military officer arrested
A military officer responsible for training the young men has been arrested on suspicion of disobedience and abuse of power resulting in death, Defense Minister Luis Sandoval announced on Tuesday.

The activity in the sea was not part of the planned training for the cadets and military justice is investigating the motive. It could have been an unauthorized initiation rite.