DATE: 2023-09-08 01:00 LOCATION: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Bequia – Princess Margaret Beach EVENT: Theft HAND: 1 STOLEN ITEMS: 15HP 2S Yamaha outboard SECURED: Locked DETAILS: A yacht anchored off Princess Margaret beach had their in-the-water and cable locked dinghy stolen overnight while they slept onboard. The thief stole a surf board from a nearby beach bar and used it to reach the yacht. The dinghy was taken to the beach and the 15HP Yamaha outboard removed. The dinghy, fuel tank and surfboard were abandoned on the beach, and later recovered.
A report was made to the police and Coast Guard. ID: 3097
DATE: 2023-07-08 23:45 LOCATION: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Canouan – Charlestown Bay (Tamarind Hotel) EVENT: Theft HAND: 1 STOLEN ITEMS: Food and a headlamp SECURED: Not Locked DETAILS: Cruisers locked their main entrances and most hatches and went to bed. The next morning they awoke to find their refrigerator and freezer unlatched, with food crumbs/remains/containers scattered around and in the trash. At least one drawer had been rifled, and a headlamp had been stolen but computers, tablets, and cameras in open sight were not taken. An unlocked overhead hatch appeared to be the point of access. ID: 3045
Recently CSSN published a report of vandalism against a visiting yacht who reported their mooring line had been cut overnight. The report can be read here.
CSSN has been in contact with Lesroy Noel, the Tobago Cays Marine Park (TCMP) Manager, who is responsible for the moorings in Clifton harbour. He helpfully explained the system that has been put in place for visiting yachts and we are glad to share that information here, anticipating that informing cruisers prior to arrival and setting the right expectations will improve communications and user satisfaction.
Currently the TCMP is the only authorized provider of temporary/overnight moorings in Clifton harbor. Their 19 moorings are all marked by plain white balls. Six authorized assistants (“boatboys”) have been selected and authorized to act as agents for TCMP and each of them has personalized boat cards that identify them by name and include the TCMP logo. Captains can choose any available assistant, any open mooring and utilize these assistants in getting tied up if they desire. Anchoring is also an option, and is free.
The fee for TCMP mooring usage is $60ECD for 24 hours. Actual payment for a TCMP mooring should only be made to a uniformed TCMP ranger who will visit the yacht and also collect the card. $20ECD of each $60ECD daily fee is then paid by TCMP to the assistant specified on the collected card. The TCMP welcomes feedback from users about their moorings and the performance of their authorized assistants. You can visit the TCMP office ashore M-F from 8-4, they also collect cards and accept payment.
At times, private moorings in the anchorage may be available and offered on a freelance basis by the designated assistants, or others. No oversight or control over this sort of entrepreneurial activity is provided by TCMP, and none of any fees paid remits to TCMP.
DATE: 2023-04-12 00:30 LOCATION: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Union – Clifton Harbor EVENT: Vandalism HAND: 1 STOLEN ITEMS: none, line cut SECURED: N/A DETAILS: A yacht was approached and led to a non-park mooring and what was perceived as a high fee ($80ECD) was demanded, then refused, and then the boat was taken to one of the park moorings and a proper Marine Park ticket/voucher given for payment. A lot of harsh words were exchanged.
That night, the yacht’s mooring line was cut and the boat went adrift, the crew was awakened by the unusual motion of the boat at 0030HRS. The crew managed to avert disaster and were very close to going aground/striking the concrete dock.
The next morning another young man arrived at 0500 and asked to be paid for his “services” although he had not been involved in any way. When examined closely it was clear that many sharp cuts had been made on the yacht’s mooring line. The crew visited the Marine Park offices later that day and after some discussion the overnight fee ($60ECD) was waived given the circumstances, and the yacht departed.
CSSN has asked the Marine Park manager to clarify the mooring selection/payment process for their moorings and the role/payment of boat boys . We will publish an update when this is received.
UPDATE: Lesroy Noel, the Tobago Cay Marine Park manager has clarified the options available to yachts visiting Clifton, Harbour. The helpful details are contained in this CSSN News report.
DATE: 2023-03-16 03:00 LOCATION: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – St. Vincent – Blue Lagoon EVENT: Theft HAND: 1 STOLEN ITEMS: Cash, cell phone SECURED: Not Locked DETAILS: While owners slept onboard, a thief entered the yacht through an unlocked hatch and stole cash and a cellphone.
A report was made to the police and the marina. ID: 3005
