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The original News Item has been updated and can be accessed here.
CSSN NEWS
CSSN News – September 24, 2017 Armed Boardings and Piracy reported off Dominica – UPDATED
Several sources in social media have reported that boats bringing relief supplies to hurricane ravaged Dominica have been boarded and robbed offshore by armed men in pirogues.
The situation in Dominica is evolving, and will be for some time. Without basic communications and no apparent command structure or coordination of emergency relief efforts in place, visiting, or even transiting in sight of Dominica by yacht should be very carefully considered. Unless you are expected and arrive under prearranged escort your efforts may create more chaos and endanger your vessel and crew.
Various groups experienced in relief efforts are beginning to lend much needed support, and there will be many opportunities to support Dominica and its people once these efforts take visible effect.
CSSN UPDATE!
UPDATE: December 4, 2017
This News item when published clearly identified the nature of its source as social media. Because of the serious nature of the initial social media posts, the intent of the CSSN news item was to inform those considering visiting Dominica in the immediate aftermath of Maria to consider the decision carefully until it was clear that reasonable order prevailed there. At the time, the 2 principle sources who posted in social media were believed to be reliable and credible, both having previously demonstrated significant support for the people of Dominica and economic interests there.
Recently, commercial and governmental interests in Dominica have challenged the accuracy of the initial reports in social media. Specifically, they assert that NO piracy acts occurred. Subsequently, the original sources have deleted their posts from social media.
CSSN cannot factually ascertain the accuracy of claims made by any of the disputing parties. Consequently, CSSN as a matter of policy wants our readership to understand our obligation to inform our readers about this change in circumstance.
CSSN News – September 24, 2017 Armed Boardings and Piracy reported off Dominica – UPDATED
Several sources in social media have reported that boats bringing relief supplies to hurricane ravaged Dominica have been boarded and robbed offshore by armed men in pirogues.
The situation in Dominica is evolving, and will be for some time. Without basic communications and no apparent command structure or coordination of emergency relief efforts in place, visiting, or even transiting in sight of Dominica by yacht should be very carefully considered. Unless you are expected and arrive under prearranged escort your efforts may create more chaos and endanger your vessel and crew.
Various groups experienced in relief efforts are beginning to lend much needed support, and there will be many opportunities to support Dominica and its people once these efforts take visible effect.
CSSN UPDATE!
UPDATE: December 4, 2017
This News item when published clearly identified the nature of its source as social media. Because of the serious nature of the initial social media posts, the intent of the CSSN news item was to inform those considering visiting Dominica in the immediate aftermath of Maria to consider the decision carefully until it was clear that reasonable order prevailed there. At the time, the 2 principle sources who posted in social media were believed to be reliable and credible, both having previously demonstrated significant support for the people of Dominica and economic interests there.
Recently, commercial and governmental interests in Dominica have challenged the accuracy of the initial reports in social media. Specifically, they assert that NO piracy acts occurred. Subsequently, the original sources have deleted their posts from social media.
CSSN cannot factually ascertain the accuracy of claims made by any of the disputing parties. Consequently, CSSN as a matter of policy wants our readership to understand our obligation to inform our readers about this change in circumstance.
DATE: 2015-03-30 01:00 Country Name: Dominica Location Detail: Prince Rupert Bay South End EVENT: Assault Stolen Items: Laptop, mobile phone, VHF, cash SECURED: Locked DETAILS: A single hander anchored in the south end of Prince Rupert Bay was awakened at 1:00 AM by noise on deck. Somewhat disoriented, he unlocked and went up to the cockpit where he encountered 2 men, one with a gun. The thieves stole his laptop, phone, VHF, cash and demanded his credit card and PIN. He informed them he did not have a credit card and the they left. The next day he informed other boats anchored nearby and made a report to the police. CSSN NOTE: PAYS operates a night-time security patrol in the NORTH end of Prince Rupert Bay, and a radio call from the locked cabin may have prevented this incident.
DATE: 2015-03-15 16:00 Country Name: Dominica Location Detail: Anchorage Hotel EVENT: Assault Stolen Items: None SECURED: N/A DETAILS: While on a previously paid for mooring in front of the Anchorage hotel, a yacht was approached by a small local boat whose occupant threatened them with a spear gun and then attempted to use a machete to cut their line. The yacht left the mooring . Reports were made to the police and Coast Guard.
CSSN UPDATE!
CSSN UPDATE 2015-04-14: Our original posting failed to include that the Coast Guard responded very quickly, within about 10 minutes, to this threatening situation. We later learned that the yacht subsequently returned to the mooring, and that business interests in the area conducted a meeting with local boatmen to convey the seriousness of this type of behavior and to (hopefully) prevent any future occurrences.
