Ferry explosion in Playa del Carmen

[Dave Dillehay]

That doesn't look like much of a bomb. I'm no expert, but I don't see wires, and the twist tie top looks not too water proof. It looks more like a ruse.

This looks exactly like the bomb found floating Tuesday of last week ( wednesday is when the ferry blew up). That one had 7 dynamite sticks wired to a controller with antennae for remote detonation. These on the rudders were either dummies or had motion activated detonators, since no antennas were seen.

Dave

 

[Christi]

This looks exactly like the bomb found floating Tuesday of last week ( wednesday is when the ferry blew up). That one had 7 dynamite sticks wired to a controller with antennae for remote detonation. These on the rudders were either dummies or had motion activated detonators, since no antennas were seen.

Dave

Yes - appears that perhaps the floating device was a failed attempt and got "lost" - but appears it was intended for Barcos Caribe

 

[Christi]

Posted on Facebook....

US State Department release today:

Just received:

Security Alert - U. S. Embassy Mexico City, Mexico (March 1, 2018)

Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Event: On March 1, undetonated explosive devices were found by Mexican law enforcement on a tourist ferry that operates between Cozumel-Playa del Carmen, Mexico. On February 21, an explosive device detonated on a tourist ferry in Playa del Carmen resulting in injuries, including to U.S. citizens. 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.


Jay

and the REST of the message:


Actions to Take:

• Be aware of your surroundings and exercise 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.

IMO this part is important because they are not being overly alarmed and realize what's going on - if they thought is was a bigger threat, there would be a lot more actions to take listed - like avoind travel here as were in other advisories last year for violent areas in Europe, and Mexico

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

and the REST of the message:


Actions to Take:

• Be aware of your surroundings and exercise 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.

Thanks, did not intend to pass on misinformation. That was all that was included in the message that I saw (I just copied and pasted) Things are certainly getting interesting in our little slice of paradise. Nevertheless, we will definitely be there in October/November and hopefully June or July if we can catch a southwest cheap fare...into Cancun. Will still do the bagdrag as well...and will use whatever ferry either leaves next, gives us the best rate, or both.

Jay

 

[gopbroek]

Kind of an over reaction by the US goverment prohibiting travel by goverment employees on all ferries to Cozumel. It seems pretty clear that Barcos Caribe is the company targeted and what the 'bomber's' started , the mainland officials finished by shutting them down. All seems to be well with the other two and ferry companies and it looks like the fares are back up to the level they were before Barcos Caribe started competing with them. Does anyone know if the 645 AM and 11PM departures from Playa, that started with Barcos Caribe, are gone now Ultramar and Mexico waterjets are back to their comfy dualopily?

 

[ReefHound]

Kind of an over reaction by the US goverment prohibiting travel by goverment employees on all ferries to Cozumel. It seems pretty clear that Barcos Caribe is the company targeted and what the 'bomber's' started , the mainland officials finished by shutting them down. All seems to be well with the other two and ferry companies and it looks like the fares are back up to the level they were before Barcos Caribe started competing with them. Does anyone know if the 645 AM and 11PM departures from Playa, that started with Barcos Caribe, are gone now Ultramar and Mexico waterjets are back to their comfy dualopily?

What makes you think only one side can play dirty? Who can guarantee there won't be retaliation back at the two running? And on what grounds is Barcos suspended? If it was "insurance" that's remedied easily enough.

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

I don't know how many cruisers ride the ferries, but I would think this would hurt the bottom line somewhat. Interesting development that they canceled ALL ferry related excursions, regardless of the company. My guess is that other cruiselines will follow. Again, this is a report on the internet, don't know if it's true, not true, complete, incomplete, or anything else about it.

Cruise Lines Cancel Shore Excursions in Mexico After Warning From U.S. State Department

 

[cvchief]

Might be good for the island if the cruisers can't leave!

 

[Dogbowl]

There are a lot of tours that go to the mainland for cruisers. Off the top of my head: Tulum, Chichen Itza, all the eco parks, cenotes.

 

[MMM]

Might be good for the island if the cruisers can't leave!

I thought the same thing. My street was pretty busy today what with a couple of cruise lines telling their customers not to take the ferry. Jeeps, jeeps, jeeps and more jeeps. And more taxis after those.