A Royal Caribbean cruise ship was evacuated after a suspicious package was found nearby at the Port of Tampa.
Hillsborough deputies are leading an investigation after a suspicious package was found during a routine screening. A specially trained K-9 found the item on the dock near the cruise ship. Another K-9 was brought in and it also alarmed its handlers about the same item, WTSP reports.
The cruise ship and the port's Terminal 3 was evacuated as special teams are brought in.
Hillsborough deputies are at the Port of Tampa, after a suspicious package was found near a cruise ship.
Investigators say the package was found during a routine screening, when a specially trained K-9 alerted to an item on the dock, near a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. A second K-9 was brought in and also alerted to the same item.
The cruise ship and the port's Terminal 3 have been evacuated.
The Hillborough County police Twitter account has been posting updates.
"Suspicious package, Port of Tampa, Terminal 3 evacuated, Deputies on scene."
"UPDATE: #SuspiciousPackage was located on dock near Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship at Terminal 3."
"UPDATE: #SuspiciousPackage Two canines alerted on the package, HCSO and TPD EOD Technicians on scene now"
"#SuspiciousPackage initial EOD sweep complete, secondary sweep in progress, anticipated all clear within the hour+."
Bomb technicians will determine whether or not the item is an explosive and then the Terminal and cruise ship will reopen.
The cruise ship passengers were told that they'll be allowed back on the ship when the horn sounds. Passengers were a bit worried, but Passenger Sharon Alvarez of Tampa said she's glad that authorities are looking into it.
"I'd rather be safe than sorry," she said according to 10 News.
The Florida Aquarium parking lot has also been closed due to the investigation.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
