Spring break official starts next week for HF. With that some news outlets has some warnings from the FBI, warning spring break travelers to take certain precautions and be extra careful when traveling.
The warning comes following the March 6 disappearance of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Joshua Riibe, who is considered a witness in Konanki’s disappearance, apparently he told authorities that while they were swimming, a large wave crashed over them, according to a translated transcript of his interview to police shared with Fox News. He said he tried to help her and last saw her walking through knee-deep water. He then began vomiting up seawater and noticed that she was no longer in sight and assumed she had returned to her hotel room. Riibe said he fell asleep in a beach chair before eventually returning to his room.
Sudiksha Konanki’s parents said Dominican Republic ‘authorities have concluded that she drowned.
The FBI listed the following tips for travelers to stay safe over spring break:
- Establish points of contact for your family to reference in the event of an emergency.
- Avoid traveling alone, especially after dark. Be conscious of your surroundings and avoid areas you believe may put your personal safety at risk.
- Use only authorized taxis/shuttles. Passengers have been robbed or kidnapped when using taxis.
- Avoid actions that are illegal, improper, or indiscreet. Avoid offers of sexual companionship; they may lead to a room raid, photography, and blackmail.
- Evade criminals by being aware of your surroundings and alert to the possibility of surveillance. Take mental notes of anyone following you and promptly report it to the appropriate security officials.
- Beware of new acquaintances who probe for information about you or who attempt to get you involved in what could become a compromising situation.
Caribbean countries are under a Level 2 warning, meaning Americans should exercise increased precautions. Those countries include the Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos, Bahamas, Cuba and Netherlands Antilles. Several Mexican states also have Level 4 warnings due to dangerous cartel and gang activity, including Sinola, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacan, Colima and Guerrero.
