On May 3, 2015 a massive swell or Mar de Fondo in Spanish, hit the coastal areas of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Guerrero causing destruction and a few deaths. This swell originated from a storm near the Pitcairn Islands around April 22nd. The swell generated 15 meter (45 feet) waves, the crash of the waves created vibrations that felt like minor earthquakes. The full force of the swell slammed into Puerto Escondido between 15:30 and 16:00. The images below were taken on Playa Zicatela during that time.
Below. The waves devoured the beach and soon started overflowing onto the Calle Morro on Playa Zicatela. The image on the right shows the collapsing of a second floor patio of Restaurant Kutta.
Below. The second floor of a Restaurant Kutta being washed out to sea and still the waves keep coming. I almost got sucked out to sea taking the image on the right.
Below Left. A view of the swell from the third floor of Hotel Arco Iris.
Below Right. Because of the high tide the drainage pipes were unable to let the water escape.
Below Left. Surfers admiring the huge waves.
Below Right. Huge waves attract surfers, insane ones. This surfer is wearing a protective suit and carrying helmet.
The photo at the bottom of the page is of lifeguards and helpers guiding a jet ski into the sea with a huge wave aiming at them. There were reports that someone had gotten pulled into the sea.