British Tourist Fled Mexico as Hurricane Emily Closed in on Yucatan

Thousands of British tourists were evacuated from beachside hotels as Mexico´s Caribbean coast was battered by Hurricane Emily.

Sunbathers at the popular resorts of Cancun, Playa Car and Cozumel island were moved to temporary shelters.

The Association of British Travel Agents said there were around 9,000 Britons on package tours in the area, but no reports of any being hurt. Emily left Cozumel and Cancun without electricity after downing power lines.

The Foreign Office said it was monitoring the situation, but there had been no reports so far of any British casualties. The government said anyone planning to travel to southern Mexico should check with their travel agents and airlines for the latest advice.