Regatta crewmembers have their passports, cash and mobile phones stolen

**Ally** · 01-09-2007, 10:19 AM

While a group of crew members of a cruise vessel were enjoying a game of football with locals, thieves were busy rummaging their bags.

The police are investigating reports that four passports and other important documents were stolen from crew members of the cruise vessel Regatta Oceanic Cruises over the weekend.

The crew members were reportedly robbed at the King George V Grounds while engaged in a game of football. The alleged incident occurred sometime before 4 p.m.

Among the items stolen are cellular phones, identification cards and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The ship arrived in port Sunday morning and sailed out in the afternoon.

President of the Antigua & Barbuda Cruise Association Nathan Dundas stated that the incident is in no way a good reflection for the country since crew members advise passengers about the safety of a country.

Dundas has raised concerns about the repeated incidents of robbery on cruise ship passengers.

“We are asking for more vigilance from the police to protect our industry. They are negative consequences that can impact us seriously.

"Although the police are carrying out investigations at the same time we are asking for the assistance of the public in the recovery of the passports.”

Dundas said from time to time crew members take on practice matches with local teams and as a result, “we do not want to detract from the hospitality and tourism aspect of Antigua.”

(Antigua Sun)