Some of those involved in the tremendous fight spoke about what happened and agreed that they do not go back to tourism in the capital of Magdalena.
Colombia News.
After the fight between tourists and boatmen on the beaches of El Rodadero, apparently due to an alleged excessive charge by natives who offer services for visitors, some of those affected and involved in the strong discussion that ended in beatings, decided to deliver their version of events.
A shameful fight took place in El Rodadero between boatmen and tourists. According to witnesses, the situation got out of control due to a claim from bathers for the excessive price they were charged for the transport of the boats. Mayor announces investigation and sanctions. pic.twitter.com/iuWXP1MoUh
– Roger Urieles (@Rogeruv) May 22, 2022
They are 16 Bogota tourists, who in dialogue with Snail Newstold what they experienced in the resort visited by millions of tourists a year, both domestic and foreign.
To visit this paradisiacal place they saved a whole year and the experience was not the best for them.
See: The tremendous fight between tourists and boatmen on the Rodadero beach in Santa Marta
“I’m not going back to Santa Marta,” said an older adult who lived through this nightmare on the beaches of Santa Marta.
According to another of the visitors, one of the boatmen was given 100 thousand pesos for a trip. However, halfway through, the leader of the boat would have notified them that he had only received 40 thousand and that the rest of the money was missing.
The woman said that they asked the boatman to return the money and return them back to the place where they had started the trip.
At that moment a discussion began between the boatmen and the tourists, a strong altercation began and the event escalated. Some of the visitors were injured.
In addition to beatings and mistreatment, they claim that the boatmen allegedly stole cell phones, a gold chain, shoes and other items.
One of those affected said that after the attack they looked for tourism police but the solution they were given was not what they expected.
“That we had to go back to the scene where the case had happened.”
“The boatmen who provide the service in Playa Blanca are usurers and gangsters,” concluded the tourist.
His statements are heard in the following video:
It should be noted that in this case, the boat in question was suspended for 15 days and will not be able to provide transportation services during this time.
As a sanction measure for those involved in this event recorded between tourist providers and visitors in El Rodadero, the DIMAR proceeded to sanction the boat involved with a 15-day restriction on maritime transport activity.
– Mayor of Santa Marta (@SantaMartaDTCH) May 23, 2022
Below are the statements of Laura Agudelo, Director of the District Institute of Tourism, who rejected the fight:
We move forward with results to ensure that our tourist areas are safe and organized destinations. pic.twitter.com/3j5AXC607K
– Mayor of Santa Marta (@SantaMartaDTCH) May 23, 2022
Cover Photo: Video Capture
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