Tourists on Crystal Symphony Cruise Ship Targeted by Robbers in Mombasa, Kenya

A group of over 50 armed youths attacked tourists from the Crystal Symphony cruise ship while they were visiting Mombasa, Kenya. The assailants, armed with machetes, targeted the passengers, stealing money, jewelry, and other valuables.

This incident has raised significant security concerns, resulting in the immediate cancellation of planned shore excursions. The attack took place at the popular tourist site Pembe za Ndovu (Moi Avenue), just after passengers disembarked from the ship. In response to the attack, officials from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the National Police Service (NPS) boarded the ship to apologize and assure passengers of their safety.

While no tourists were physically harmed, many felt unsettled and opted to return to the ship instead of visiting the nearby Old Town, which was part of their itinerary. Local authorities in Mombasa and Kwale County are facing an increase in violent crime, often linked to gangs armed with machetes targeting both residents and tourists. Security forces have begun intensified operations against these criminal elements, leading to the arrest of approximately 200 suspects over the weekend.

The Crystal Symphony cruise ship, carrying a total of 1,169 passengers and crew members, arrived in Mombasa on March 31 and was scheduled to stay overnight before departing for Zanzibar the following day. The attack raises concerns about future security at Mombasa’s cruise terminal, especially as the cruise season is set to conclude in April, with its next season beginning in September. There are fears that cruise lines may reconsider their port calls unless security measures are significantly improved.

This incident underscores the need for Kenyan authorities to enhance security protocols to ensure the safety of international visitors at key tourist and maritime sites.

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