Tourists staying at a 5-star hotel in Mexico began running for their lives after a man was killed by gunmen who fled on jet skis.
The terrifying incident unfolded shortly before midday on Wednesday (October 2), behind the highly-rated Riu Caribe hotel in the Cancun Hotel Zone.
One man, reported to be a Mexican national in his thirties, was by the beach behind the hotel when he was targeted by four armed men.
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Shots rang out on the beach, causing both hotel staff and guests in the area to flee, as the male victim was struck by several bullets and left for dead in the sand, Riviera Maya News reports.
Footage from the scene circulating on Twitter showed concerned guests gathered in the hotel foyer as they awaited direction from authorities.
After the man was gunned down, two of the alleged shooters ran up the beach and jumped on board jet skis to escape, while the other two suspects fled on foot.
Witnesses reported the incident to police and paramedics who quickly arrived at the beach and cordoned off the area.
Police began collecting evidence, and the body of the shooting victim was removed from the scene after emergency responders confirmed he had died. The identity of the victim has not yet been confirmed.
Investigators also sent out a marina boat to try and track down those responsible for the attack.
In the wake of the shooting, the Riu Caribe Hotel released a brief statement to say the man who had been killed was neither a guest or an employee at the hotel.
The US State Department encourages tourists to exercise increased caution when visiting Cancun, stating: "Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico.
"The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities."
For tourists visiting the country, the US State Department recommends using toll roads, keeping friends and family informed of travel plans, and hiding signs of wealth, such as watches, jewelry, or ATM bank balances.
A full list of advice from the State Department for those traveling to Mexico can be found here.
UNILAD has reached out to Riu hotels for comment.
Emily Brown