As Doug reported in the original post, Progreso, Mexico was the original destination for the tow. However, by the time towboats were in position, the Gulf Loop Current had carried the Triumph 100 miles north. At that point, Mobile, Alabama was just as close as Progreso, and going to Mobile wouldn't require towing the ship against the current back to Progreso.

And there are plenty of safe areas in Mexico. My friend works for the US State Dept in Mexico and has done a lot of driving around Mexico on vacation this past year with young kids and has never felt unsafe. Obviously, there are dangerous areas to stay away from, too, but it's not like every corner of the country is crawling with cartel thugs.