Authorities Find Explosives On Tourist Ferry In Popular Mexican Resort

Authorities made a scary discovery on a tourist ferry that runs between two popular tourist destinations in Mexico. According to Fox News, two undetonated explosive devices were found onboard a ferry which shuttles tourists between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.

The discovery comes less than two weeks after an explosion injured 25 people, including seven Americans, on the same ferry route. Officials initially said the blast was the result of a mechanical failure, but local media reported that a drug cartel claimed responsibility for that blast. 

Following the discovery of the bombs, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a security alert, banning government employees from using "tourist ferries on this route."

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.

Quintana Roo state prosecutor Miguel Angel Pech Cen said there was no danger to tourists because the boat was not in service and was 500 yards from the dock when a diver noticed the explosive devices. 

The state Tourism Department issued a statement that suggested the bombs could be "related to situations that are internal and inherent to the ferry line in question." 

Local media have reported the company is owned by the father of former Quintana Roo state Gov. Roberto Borge, who is under arrest on corruption charges.

While violence linked to drug cartels has been a significant problem in many parts of Mexico, the cartels have mostly left areas popular with tourists alone. 

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