Tourists on Crystal Symphony Cruise Ship Targeted by Robbers in Mombasa

A group of over 50 armed youths wielding machetes attacked tourists disembarking from the Crystal Symphony cruise ship in Mombasa, Kenya. This assault occurred at the popular tourist site Pembe za Ndovu (Moi Avenue), where the attackers stole money, jewelry, and other valuables from the visitors.

In the wake of this incident, security concerns have escalated, leading to the cancellation of scheduled shore excursions. Representatives from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the National Police Service (NPS) visited the vessel to apologize and reassure passengers about their safety.

A KTB official, who requested to remain anonymous, indicated that although no tourists were physically harmed, many felt shaken by the experience and opted to return to the ship rather than continue their planned tours of Old Town.

Local authorities in Mombasa and nearby Kwale County are grappling with an uptick in violent crime, particularly involving machete-wielding gangs targeting both locals and tourists. In response to this surge, security forces intensified their operations, resulting in the arrest of around 200 suspects over the weekend.

The Crystal Symphony, carrying 1,169 passengers and crew members, docked in Mombasa on March 31st and was scheduled to depart for Zanzibar the following day. This security breach occurs as Mombasa approaches the end of its cruise season, which concludes in April. Concerns are growing that cruise lines might reconsider future visits unless significant improvements in security are made before next season begins in September.

Ensuring the safety of passengers and crew is a top priority for cruise operators, and incidents like this could potentially disrupt planning for itineraries. This event has amplified pressure on Kenyan authorities to enhance their ability to protect international visitors, underscoring the need for reinforced security measures at vital tourist and maritime locations.

For further details regarding incidents involving Crystal Symphony, visit the ship’s CruiseMinus page.

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