Golfo de Cariaco, Venezuela – Yacht Burns, Captain aboard

(2013-10-03) In the early morning hours Austrian flagged S/V Escape 5, anchored in front of Medregal Marina/Resort burnt to the waterline and sank. Robert Riegl, the owner/captain was on board.  Local newspapers have reported that Venezuelan authorities recovered the body and after conducting an autopsy have described this death as “due to fire”.

Bloody Bay, Tobago – Armed boarding, assault and robbery

 

Security Matters - Caribbean Safety and Security Net

CSSN Second Hand Report
CSSN Second Hand Report

(2013-09-26) From the Grenada Cruisers Facebook page: Four men boarded a cruising catamaran at 1 am. An elderly female crew was restrained and threatened with a pistol while the male skipper, attempting to repel the boarders, was struck on the head with his own machete. Luckily it was the flat of the blade, rather than the sharp edge. Another female, the only other cruiser in that secluded bay, was fired at twice as she attempted to approach in her dinghy. Both cruising boats immediately hauled anchor and proceeded to Store Bay. A mask and cap belonging to the boarders have been recovered. Money was demanded but, as the crew had only $30 TT, the men quickly departed “in a panic” in their boat after firing at the approaching dinghy. Police have interviewed the skipper.

Tobago, IMPORTANT NAVIGATION NOTICE

(2013-09-22) Cruisers sailing to Tobago are being advised that the last remaining cardinal marker alerting sailors to the position of Buccoo Reef is now no longer in place.  John Stickland of Store Bay Marine Services, Tobago, says the cardinal marker at Pigeon Point, charted position 11.11.09N 060.51.12W has now disappeared. Charts generally indicate there are two cardinal buoys marking Buccoo Reef, both of these are now missing. There are currently no buoys or markers indicating the position or boundaries of Buccoo Reef; therefore extreme care should be taken when navigating in this area, especially at night.  The matter has been reported to the relevant authorities. For more information contact John Stickland at john@sbms.co.tt or ring +1 868 390 5408.

Grenada “Cruisers Net Notice”

(2013-09-13) From the Grenada Cruisers Net “A word of caution in Grenada.  Do not hire anyone who just turns up at your boat looking for work or selling lobsters, even if they says they are recommended by another cruiser.  Firstly check him out with the other cruiser or call in for recommendations on the net (VHF Ch 66 or 68) before letting them on-board.  Please also do not give them lifts to boats or let them use your radio, rather you radio the cruiser to confirm it is OK.  Should they behave badly (usually to women) please report on Ch 68, the net & go to see the police at Grand Anse.  There are many honest and hard working locals available, just ask on Ch 68 or the net.

Porlamar, Margarita Island, Venezuela – Assault resulting in death

 

DATE:  2013-09-03
Country Name:
Venezuela
Location Detail:
Porlamar, Margarita Island
EVENT: 
Assault resulting in death
Details: A Dutch flagged sailing vessel at anchor off the Concorde hotel with 2 persons onboard was boarded by armed men in the early morning hours of September 3, 2013. The captain, a Dutch citizen, was shot and later died from his injuries at a local hospital. Few boats visit Margarita, and great caution should be exercised if visiting this area.

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