Canadians advised to avoid Playa del Carmen ferries

Canadians travelling to Playa del Carmen are being advised to avoid passenger ferries in the destination, following the Feb. 21 ferry explosion and the discovery of an explosive device on board a similar vessel on March 1.

The Canadian government’s statement reads:

On February 21, 2018, an explosive device detonated on a popular tourist ferry in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. The explosion injured over twenty individuals, including tourists. On March 1, 2018, 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. Avoid tourist ferries travelling in the region until further notice, be vigilant and monitor local media (including social media).

According to reports, the Feb. 21 explosion, initially thought to be the result of malfunctioning equipment on the ferry, has since been determined to be the result of an explosive device. Twenty-five victims, including three Canadians, were injured in the explosion and treated in hospital for minor cuts, according to local authorities.

Last week, Quintana Roo state prosecutor Miguel Angel Pech Cen confirmed that a second explosive device was found on another ferry, which was docked 450 metres from shore and not in service at the time the device was discovered. Mexican navy divers removed the device and turned it over to the country’s defense department for analysis.