A contingent of 50+ armed youths, wielding machetes, carried out an assault on cruise ship passengers visiting Mombasa (Kenya). The attackers seized money, jewelry, and other valuables from the tourists.
The incident has heightened security concerns, prompting the cancellation of pre-scheduled shore excursions.
The attack occurred at the well-known tourist landmark Pembe za Ndovu (Moi Avenue), shortly after passengers from Crystal Symphony had disembarked. In response, representatives from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the National Police Service (NPS) boarded the vessel to convey their apologies and provide assurances regarding passenger safety.
According to a KTB official who spoke anonymously to local media, while no tourists sustained physical injuries, many were visibly unsettled by the event and subsequently chose to forgo their planned visits to the Old Town, opting instead to return to the ship.
The authorities in Mombasa and the adjacent Kwale County are contending with a rise in violent crime, much of it linked to machete-armed gangs preying on both residents and visitors. Over the weekend, security forces intensified operations against such criminal groups, resulting in the arrest of at least 200 suspects.
Crystal Symphony, carrying a total of 1169 passengers and crew, arrived in Mombasa on March 31st and remained overnight before setting sail for Zanzibar the following day.
This breach of security comes at a critical juncture as Mombasa concludes its current cruise season, which runs through April. With the subsequent season scheduled to commence in September, apprehensions are mounting that cruise lines may reconsider future port calls unless security measures are significantly bolstered.
Passenger and crew safety remains a paramount concern for cruise operators, and incidents of this nature have the potential to impact itinerary planning.
The attack has placed increased pressure on Kenyan authorities to demonstrate their capability to safeguard international visitors, reinforcing the necessity for enhanced security protocols at key maritime and tourist locations.
For more Crystal Symphony incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.