Last month we wrote an article about the crime epidemic in Nassau, Bahamas.
A newspaper in the Bahamas published an article "Cruise Ships Warn on Crime," explaining that cruise executives from Miami met with Bahamian officials about the increasing crime levels in Nassau which are no longer safe for passengers. We have written several articles about the crime problem in Nassau, including the rape of young women who go into the bars near the port, petty theft, snatch and grab robberies, and violent crime.
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Passengers are being warned to stay on the cruise ships when the ship calls on Nassau. Crew members have known this for years.
Newspapers today are reporting that a U.S. citizen was shot and killed when he tried to stop the robbery of another U.S. tourist visiting Nassau. The U.K. Daily Mail reports that American Kyle Bruner was murdered in the Bahamas over the weekend while attempting to help a tourist who was being mugged.
The U.S. Department of State characterizes the crime level on New Providence Island, where Nassau is located, as "critical." Snatch-and-grab’ crimes are common occurrences in Nassau. The U.S. State Department says it has received reports of assaults, including sexual assaults, in casinos, outside hotels, and on cruise ships.
I have represented many women sexually assaulted in Nassau and on cruise ships in that port and many passengers robbed at gunpoint.
In addition to our clients, we have learned of a wide variety of crimes against cruise passengers, including rapes against young women ashore, theft, and violent robberies. We have written several articles about the crime problem in Nassau, including sexual attacks against young women who go into the bars near the port:
U.S. State Department: Crime In Nassau, Bahamas Is Critical
Cruise Passenger Beaten and Raped in Nassau – Are Royal Caribbean and Senor Frog’s to Blame?
Eleven Cruise Passengers Robbed in Nassau
Nassau Welcomes Oasis of the Seas as Bahamas’ Murder Count Reaches Record-Breaking Level
I have never written an article telling cruise passengers to avoid a port of call. I usually report on what I know and then leave it up to the passengers to decide what to so. But Nassau is flat out dangerous. In my opinion, if you knew what the cruise lines know, you’d be crazy to take your family there.
June 20 2013 Update: Crime in Nassau continues. Here are recent articles:
2 tourists robbed outside Atlantis.
Tourists Robbed At Downtown Night Spot
It’s Not Better in the Bahamas: Crime Up, Cruise Passenger Spending Down
Officials address cruises lines’ crime concerns.
Photo Credit: Caribbean 360