Explosive found on Mexico ferry sparks US embassy security alert
The US is warning vacationers to exercise caution when traveling by ferry between Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel.
The US embassy in Mexico has banned its staff from using tourist ferries on the popular sea crossing after undetonated explosive device was discovered hidden on the underside of a vessel.
Quintana Roo state prosecutor Miguel Angel Pech Cen said a length of PVC pipe attached to the boat was discovered during a routine maintenance check.
The vessel was out of service and moored offshore at the time.
"U.S. Government employees are prohibited from using all tourist ferries on this route until further notice. Mexican and U.S. law enforcement continue to investigate," the embassy said.
The ferry is operated by Barcos Caribe, the same company which was in the news last month when a ferry exploded at a Playa del Carmen jetty.
Five Americans were among 25 injured then, and up until now it was thought to have been caused by a mechanical malfunction.
"Investigations are trying to ascertain if ‘the incidents are exclusively related to situations that are internal and inherent to the ferry line in question, which is not providing commercial service,’ a state tourism department statement said.
After the initial blast on February 21, Barcos Caribe ferry services were suspended.
Cruise lines have decided to take no chances and announced cancelations of all shore excursions that use ferries in Cozumel.
Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean will halt the shore excursions for the time being.
A Carnival statement said: "We have canceled all ship-sponsored tours that make use of ferries between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen and we are strongly advising our guests that ferries from Cozumel to the mainland be avoided."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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