DATE: 2015-03-28 17:00
Country Name: Honduras
Location Detail: Punta Sal (Tela)
EVENT: Piracy
Stolen Items: Money, Camera, Ipod Mp3, Gasoline, VHF, GPS, various random items they could find
SECURED: Not Locked
DETAILS: Whilst underway close to Punta Sal we noticed a small fishing boat following us from the west. They approached and asked for gasoline. Suddenly 3 of the 4 men boarded our sailing vessel with guns and demanded money. We were threatened with guns to our heads and a knife to my wife’s throat. We cooperated with the pirates and gave them what they wanted. The pirates cut the main halyard, cut the gps cables, stole the VHF radio and other electronics, threw our fresh water supplies over board and put the engine in full throttle. They grounded the sailboat into the secluded bay “Escondido” inside the Jeanette Kava National Park. 4 days later we were rescued after SOS signs we made in the ground at the park’s entrance were seen by visitors who arrived by boat to another area of the park. No one was harmed, but it was a frightening experience. The boat was damaged and was still aground several days after we were rescued while local officials worked with the captain to make temporary repairs and remove the yacht to a repair facility.
CSSN NOTE: When local and federal Honduran officials learned of this incident, they provided not only assistance to the captain, but also hotel accommodations, support and return air travel to the temporary crew/victims.
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