Hundreds of mourners have held a “paddle” to pay tribute to two brothers from Perth who were murdered in Mexico.
Callum Robinson, 33, and his brother Jake, 30, were traveling with their American friend Carter Rhoad, 30, on a surfing trip in the Mexican state of Baja California in April when they failed to check into their accommodation.
A few days later, police arrived at his last known whereabouts and found a campsite with traces of blood.
The three bodies were later found in a well, with gunshot wounds to the head.
Saturday’s departure came a week after a moving memorial service at Sacred Heart College in Sorrento, where the children graduated from high school.
Two large portraits of the brothers stood in the sand on Sorrento beach on Saturday as surfers formed a ring in the water.
The boy’s father, Martin Robinson, said a few words in the center of the group as two wreaths were placed in the water.
Mourners have paid tribute to Perth brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, who died during a surfing trip to Mexico.
Two photographs of the brothers – Callum on the left and Jake on the right – were in the sand as hundreds gathered on the beach.
The surfers and kayakers then returned to shore, where they were embraced by dozens more on the sand.
Australian Federal Police are working with Mexican authorities to bring justice for two murdered brothers.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Australian embassy in Mexico would continue to work with federal police and local authorities.
“I am heartbroken for Jake and Callum’s parents and thinking of them at this incredibly difficult time,” she told AAP.
The parents of the murdered Australians, Debra and Martin Robinson, said the world had since become a darker place and they were preparing to bring home the bodies of their children.
Brothers Jake and Callum Robinson (pictured), aged 30 and 32, and their American partner Jack Rhoad, 30, disappeared while surfing in the Mexican province of Baja California.
Mexican prosecutors have identified three suspects (two were caught with methamphetamine and one had one of the victim’s phones), but it is believed more people may have been involved.
The accused ringleader is charged with a criminal charge of forced disappearance, equivalent to kidnapping.
The man, Jesús Gerardo, has a criminal record for drug dealing, vehicle theft and domestic violence.
The AFP has a presence in Mexico and is in contact with local authorities.
