By Joe Kottke and Dennis Romero -
NBC News
The State Department on Friday raised its alert level for travelers planning to visit the Bahamas, urging them to exercise "increased caution" because the nation's capital has recorded 18 murders this year.
The warning was raised to level 2 following a security alert issued Wednesday by the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, which expressed concern that Americans could be victims of gang violence in the capital.
"Murders have occurred at all hours, even in broad daylight on the streets," the embassy said in its alert.
"Gang violence has been the main reason for the 2024 murders."
American travelers were advised to be very cautious in Nassau, use caution when going out at night anywhere in the Bahamas, "keep a low profile," be aware of your surroundings, do not resist if confronted by thieves, and have security plans.
[More than 115 million travelers between December 23, 2023 and January 1, 2024]
The State Department added that short-term vacation rentals have the problem of lacking the type of private security found in hotels.
He said Nassau gang crime also affects areas frequented by tourists.
"Violent crimes, such as robberies, armed robberies and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas," US authorities said.
The State Department also warned that many pleasure boat rentals, tours and trips are not consistently regulated and therefore carry additional risks.
"Boats may have maintenance issues and some operators may not have safety certificates," US authorities said. "Please review and pay attention to local weather and maritime alerts before participating in water activities." .
The State Department also warned Americans not to swim alone in the Bahamas, where shark attacks have recently occurred.
[Record number of travelers during the end of 2023: they traveled almost 15% more than the previous year]
Prime Minister Philip "Brave" Davis responded to the embassy's alert on Thursday, saying it was unlikely to affect American tourists visiting his country, according to the Bahamian newspaper The Tribune.
He added that the United States has the right to issue these types of alerts and that the Bahamas does the same, according to the publication.
The US alerts came as Davis pushed an offensive against crime that would include changing the parameters of constitutionally protected bail.
The Bahamas police commissioner and a spokesperson for the country's Ministry of Tourism did not immediately respond to requests for comment.