Sixth College senior Bovey Zhang has been missing since he went on a Carnival cruise to Mexico over Spring Break with his girlfriend and two other friends. According to Mexican authorities, he was reported to have washed away into sea on March 23.
Bovey Zhang’s sister Eileen Zhang sent a message on April 13 to friends and relatives reporting that they still do not have confirmation from the Mexican rescue team on his current condition or whereabouts. They have been informed that Zhang’s remains may never be located due to the conditions of the Pacific Ocean.
Eileen Zhang said that, without finding the remains of a missing person, Mexican law would allow the case to stay open for seven years.
“But for the U.S. — they simply cannot wait that long,” Eileen Zhang said in an email. “Within the near future, our family is preparing to proceed to the next step and I hope our family will receive the closure we are seeking.”
Bovey Zhang belonged to UCSD’s Wushu Club and Nikkei Student Union. He was preparing to graduate this upcoming June with a degree in human biology.
“He was always smiling … he brought laughter to wherever he went,” Eileen Zhang said in an email. “There really isn’t anyone else like Bovey and I’m sure a lot of people will miss his presence. Nevertheless, Bovey will always remain in our hearts and memories forever.”
Eileen Zhang also stressed the importance of informing students about safe travel and the unknown dangers of the beach.
Cruise lines are legally obligated to warn their guests of any dangers associated with the tours, but Eileen Zhang stated that Carnival did not inform her brother and other guests on the cruise about the potential dangers of Cabo beaches.
Through a phone conversation with the U.S. consulate in Mexico, Eileen Zhang learned that the water can reach heights of 100 feet just 10 feet away from the shoreline because Cabo beaches have no continental shelf.
“Before going on an excursion, I highly suggest doing some research and [being] aware of the surroundings in that area,” Eileen Zhang said. “My family and I do not want to see another family becoming victims of a lost loved one due to a cruise line’s negligence.”
