A New Yorker trying for the fourth time to row across the Atlantic Ocean was raided by pirates who left him stranded without food or water near Haiti, according to his publicist.
Victor Mooney was not harmed when so-called pirates near the island of Tortuga stole his food supply and “all vital equipment” from his 24-foot rowboat, a statement released Thursday from Rubenstein Public Relations said.
Other details were sparse, and Mooney’s current location is unknown. Rubenstein didn’t respond to HuffPost’s inquiries for more information, but their statement suggested he needed immediate assistance.
“Although the pirates left the boat in his possession, Mooney was left with only the clothes on his back,” the statement said, and he “is currently in an extreme state of distress.
“Local authorities have been alerted of the ordeal and are thoroughly investigating the situation.”
Mooney, 48, was rowing by himself toward Miami and ultimately toward New York City. The 5,000-mile crossing began in the Canary Islands in February to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. This leg of the trip that has now been marred started two weeks ago when Mooney shoved off from the north coast of the Dominican Republic, roughly 140 miles to the east of Tortuga.
FULL ARTICLE from Huffington Post
CSSN NOTE: We assume the location information referencing Tortuga refers to the Dry Tortugas, but we can’t be sure. Also, while this is crime against a row boat and not a “Yacht” it still shows what thieves are active in these waters and will prey upon anyone they view as vulnerable.