Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Fishermen Protests in and around Chiloe

This May 10, 2015 photo shows a storefront window emblazoned with a message that reads in Spanish "Chiloe defends its sea, its land, and its people" in Ancud, in Chile's Chiloe island, during the country's worst ever "red tide" environmental disaster. The government has offered about $220 a month to

This message is to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in and around Chiloe in the Lakes Region that protests by local fishermen have made travel in the area difficult, including cutting off the island of Chiloe.  As the Embassy cannot confirm when the protests will end or when tourists will be able to depart Chiloe, U.S. citizens should plan accordingly.  We recommend avoiding the affected area, and advise you to monitor the media for the latest information on the fishermen’s protests and be alert to your surroundings.

With access to Chiloe temporarily cut off, the U.S. Embassy is currently trying to assess how many U.S. citizens are affected by these protests and port closures.  We request that any U.S. citizens currently in Chiloe please notify the Embassy as soon as possible.  You can email us atSantiagoUSA@state.gov or call our emergency line at +56 22 330 3716.