Category: St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Part of the Southern Windward Islands

Posted on

Yacht stolen from Blue Lagoon in St. Vincent

(DATE: 2013-08-02) A 2001 Beneteau 36 equipped with a single 27hp Yanmar engine, was reported stolen from Blue Lagoon in St. Vincent on or about August 2, 2013. The hull and sail are white. The vessel name “LA PALOMA” appears in small letters port and starboard aft. The hailing port, “San Diego, CA” appears on the stern. The dodger, genoa and the front portion of the green bimini cover were not on the vessel at the time of the theft. The M/V’s HIN is BEY76147A101. The vessel is U.S. Coast Guard registered under No. 1108288. The vessel was reported stolen to Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard. Please report any sightings to any law enforcement agency and the Safety and Security Net.

Posted on

Charter Yacht Stolen from Union Island

(DATE: 2013-06-18) The charter yacht La Sorella (Bavaria Cruiser 45), was reported stolen from Clifton Harbor, Union Island. Approximately 1 week later the abandoned charter yacht was sighted/recovered several hundred miles offshore, and had suffered damage to its transom. Missing were several items including the chart plotter, flares, fenders and ropes. The charter company indicates that authorities are continuing to investigate.

Posted on

Two Boardings in Canouan

 

Security Matters - Caribbean Safety and Security Net

(DATE: 2013-06-11) On June 11th, just after midnight a catamaran was boarded in Charlestown Bay Canouan, in front of the Tamarind Bay Resort. Those on board heard noises that they thought were someone attempting to break in through a closed and locked hatch. The captain investigated and was able to scare off the intruder with light and yelling. No items were taken, but an attempt was made to remove the WiFi antenna in the cockpit. The intruder jumped overboard and swam away. Two other boats were in the anchorage at the time, but did not experience problems. However, a local boat reported that a similar incident had occurred one week earlier, and that valuables (cash and electronics) were stolen in that case. No reports were made to local authorities.

Posted on

Jet Skis in St. Vincent?

Word from the Ministry of Tourism is that the government of St Vincent & the Grenadines is considering overturning the legislation which bans the importation of personal watercraft (a.k.a. jet-skis, wave riders, etc) into SVG. The Ministry is currently asking stakeholders for input regarding jet-skis in SVG.

8th May, 2013

Dear Sir,

As a means of diversifying the marine tourism product, the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture is presently considering the introduction of jet skis as a watersport activity and also to facilitate in the patrol of the waters throughout the destination.

Although covered under the Power Craft Act, the importation of jet skis is currently prohibited under the Supplies Control Act. The Ministry is cognizant of the importance of collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that all the necessary parameters are established for the smooth and safe operation of this craft.

To this end, the Ministry is inviting your feedback/ recommendations with respect to the introduction of this craft, inclusive of the following:

– Designated beaches
– Speed limit – operational distance from the shore
– Safety Guidelines

Anticipating your valuable contribution as we continue to develop our tourism product.

Over the past several years, there have been numerous reports of damage to yachts and injuries to swimmers, snorkelers, and people on board sailboats. Some of the injuries have required hospitalization. Many of these incidents occur in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, where local owner/operators rent to land tourists and cruise ship passengers who have little understanding of safety on the water. Other reports have come from Trinidad, Grenada and Sint Maarten.

As sailing visitors to SVG waters, we have been asked to provide feedback: would you prefer to see the existing legislation prohibiting jet-skis overturned, or would you prefer to see it remain in place, and please give specific reasons and examples. Please e-mail responses to tourism@gov.vc  with the subject line “jet skis for SVG”. If you’d like to copy the Caribbean Compass (compass@vincysurf.com), the Bequia Tourism Association (bequiatourism@vincysurf.com) and the Caribbean Safety and Security Net (safetyandsecuritynet@gmail.com) please feel free to do so.

Posted on

Late Report from Bequia

(DATE: 2013-02-14) The SOUTHERN WINDWARDS page includes a report from Bequia occurring in late December. The yacht involved noted that a second incident happened the same night to a neighboring boat, and at least two other boardings during the same time frame.

Since those incidents, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has stationed a coast guard patrol boat in Admiralty Bay and no further incidents have been reported.

Translate »