The Canadian government has added Mexico’s most popular tourist destination to its list of travel advisories for the country.
The Canadian travel advisory for Playa del Carmen follows an alert from the U.S. embassy in Mexico advising Americans of a potential security threat for the area, located on the east coast about 90 minutes south of Cancun.
According to the Canadian government, on March 7 the United States embassy in Mexico City issued a security alert advising American citizens that "?the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City received information about a security threat in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Effective immediately, U.S. Government employees are prohibited from traveling to Playa del Carmen until further notice. The U.S. Consular Agency in Playa del Carmen will be closed until further notice.?"
? #ÚltimaHora Explosión en un barco de la naviera de Roberto Borge en Quintana Roo. #BarcosCaribe #BarcosBorge pic.twitter.com/Vms9pFDDYU
— Carlos Loret de Mola (@CarlosLoret) February 21, 2018
According to the Canadian government, on Feb. 21, an explosive device detonated on a popular tourist ferry in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. The explosion injured more than 20 individuals, including tourists. On March 1, local authorities found another explosive device on a ferry also operating out of Playa del Carmen.
“Some cruise lines have cancelled excursions using ferry services in Playa del Carmen,” the travel alert ads, “Avoid tourist ferries travelling in the region until further notice, be vigilant and monitor local media (including social media).”
According to Mexican authorities, the ferry incidents are under investigation. Mexican media is reporting officials are considering several possible motives, including the possibility people linked to the ferry company could have bombed the boat to collect an insurance policy. The Canadian alert was issued just as many Canadians and Americans head to Mexico for spring break.
The Canadian government advises anyone travelling to Mexico to sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
sthomas@vancourier.com
