An Atlanta family and friends were confronted by seven masked men during an armed home invasion at a holiday rental in the Turks and Caicos Islands, survivors have said.
Andrea Williams and her group had travelled to the Caribbean territory to celebrate a birthday at Aqua Blu Beach Villas, a waterfront property on Providenciales. They were sitting on the back porch on the night before the US Labor Day holiday when the men approached carrying guns, machetes and sticks.
The attackers allegedly ordered the group not to move before striking one woman in the head with a firearm. The intruders took cash, passports, jewellery, handbags and mobile phones, while victims said they were threatened with death.
Latorria Zachary was inside the rental at the time and had managed to lock herself in a room. She contacted the Airbnb host, asking them to call the police.
Officers arrived after the men had escaped. A detective later told the group that security footage appeared to show the suspects watching the property for about 30 minutes before the raid.
The victims also said stolen bank cards were used to spend thousands of dollars after the robbery. Police helped them obtain temporary travel documentation so they could return to Georgia.
No arrests have been announced. It is also unclear how the suspects entered the property, which was advertised as having security features, or whether anyone has been charged in connection with the incident.
The US Department of State currently advises Americans to exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands because of crime. Its guidance says most crime occurs on Providenciales and warns that local police may have limited resources to investigate offences. ([travel.state.gov](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/turks-and-caicos-travel-advisory.html?utm_source=openai))
The survivors said they had not seen the advisory before travelling. They are now urging other visitors to stay alert, monitor their surroundings and be cautious about allowing strangers access to holiday accommodation.
