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U.S. Issues Alert After Tourist Ferry Explosion in Playa del Carmen, Mexico


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An explosion ripped through a ferry as it unloaded passengers in the Mexican beach city of Playa del Carmen on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, hurting 25 people, but authorities said none of the injuries were life-threatening.

 

The blast was caused by "an explosive device" that injured passengers, including U.S. tourists, the U.S. embassy in Mexico said on Thursday, March 1, 2018.

A security alert posted on the embassy's website warned American citizens to exercise caution and said Mexican authorities continued to investigate the blast.

Two more explosive devices were found attached to another ferry on the island of Cozumel on Thursday, local media reported, saying marine troops had secured the scene.

 

Local media also reported that a drug gang had taken credit for the blast.

The same company, Barcos Caribe, operated both the ferry in Playa de Carmen and Cozumel, and is owned by the father of former Quintana Roo state Governor Roberto Borge, who is facing corruption charges, local media reported.

 

Borge, from Mexico's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), was extradited in January from Panama to face charges of embezzlement and abuse of public office. Borge has denied the allegations.

 

I will be traveling on the Silver Muse, docking in Cozumel, on 3/15/18.

 

How will these events affect the passengers ability to travel to and from Playa del Carmen?

 

Why hasn’t Silversea communicated the danger to passengers so they can respond appropriately?

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Sad to say there are dangers in travelling anywhere in the world today and we cannot expect SS to be responsible for communicating to every passenger booked on a cruise the dangers of travel.During our twenty years of sailing with SS the priority of the Captain and crew has always been to look after the safety and welfare of the passengers and thankfully we have avoided problem ports with current problems with suitable alternatives being arranged for our benefit.Long May this approach continue.

 

 

 

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brimary

 

“we cannot expect SS to be responsible for communicating to every passenger booked on a cruise the dangers of travel.”

As of March 4 the following cruise lines have canceled shore excursions in Cozumel, Mexico, that require the use of a ferry.

The cancellations -- so far made by Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises -- come in the wake of a security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy on March 1, due to the seizing of undetonated explosive devices on a ferry between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.

 

Royal Caribbean also discouraged passengers from booking independent excursions that would require a ferry.

Ferry operator Barcos Caribe had its operations suspended by the government after the incident, and the manager of the passenger terminal at Playa del Carmen said that traffic volumes have dropped off by a third.

 

Ongoing cartel violence in the once tranquil tourist hotspots of Cancun and Playa del Carmen. has been attributed to the fight over the lucrative drug markets by CJNG, Los Zetas, Gulf, and independent groups loyal to the Sinaloa Cartel. Quintana Roo experienced a 118% increase in homicides in 2017.

 

Apparently it is not unreasonable to expect a cruise line to warn unsuspecting passengers of the clear and present danger they may encounter.

 

Fortunately, forums like Cruise Critic provide passengers the opportunity to overcome a failure to communicate.

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Ferry operator Barcos Caribe had its operations suspended by the government after the incident, and the manager of the passenger terminal at Playa del Carmen.

 

Fortunately, forums like Cruise Critic provide passengers the opportunity to overcome a failure to communicate.

 

I guess you don't get out much. But if you think the Cruise Line is asleep at the wheel. You are sadly mistaken. Without all the research you have been doing. I will bet you will not be taken on any questionable ferries. They are way ahead of you with their ground agent they use in that area. Your safety is over any proffit thay may receive. If you already booked that excursion, it will be changed or canceled once you board.

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The Silver Muse will be docked in Cozumel on 3/15/18.

 

Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Mexico City, Mexico (March 9, 2018)

 

Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Event: Due to an ongoing security threat, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City is revising its travel restrictions to Playa del Carmen for U.S. government personnel. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from travel to Centro, Calica, Gonzalo Guerrero, Quintas del Carmen, and Villas del Carmen neighborhoods of Playa del Carmen. These neighborhoods are bordered by Avenida Benito Juarez, 50 Avenida Sur (Highway 307), and Calle 34 Norte. U.S. citizens should avoid those neighborhoods until further notice. U.S. government personnel are authorized to travel to resort areas in Riviera Maya including those near Playa del Carmen that are outside the restricted neighborhoods of this Alert.

Absent additional changes in the security situation, the U.S. Consular Agency in Playa del Carmen will reopen for normal operations on Monday, March 12.

The circumstances surrounding the security threat affecting the above neighborhoods is separate from the threat against ferries operating between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. U.S. government personnel are still prohibited from using ferry services between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel until further notice. U.S. citizens should not use ferry services operating between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.

Actions to Take:

  • U.S. citizens should avoid those neighborhoods in Playa del Carmen listed above until further notice.
  • U.S. citizens should not use ferry services operating between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and exercise increased caution.
  • Purchase travel insurance that specifically covers you in Mexico and includes medical evacuation insurance.
  • Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Mexico City, Mexico

(01-55) 5080-2000

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