(DATE: 2013-11-14) Two yachts departed Trinidad for Puerto La Cruz VZ, as “buddy boats” and traveled an agreed course that took them 5 miles offshore the Paria peninsula. The yachts lost sight of each other and 3 hours into the passage at approximately 10:30 AM (at a position approximately 10 miles west of the eastern tip of the Paria peninsula, near Cabo San Francisco) the trailing yacht was boarded by 5 pirates armed with handguns who quickly overwhelmed the crew, restrained them and disabled the radios by cutting the microphone cords. The pirates then proceeded to ransack the boat, stealing money, cameras, binoculars, power tools, cell phones, laptop computer, etc. Both captain and crew were pistol whipped, and 3 shots were fired close to the captain in an effort to get more cash. The pirates became concerned when an island freighter passed about a mile away, and departed. The leading boat was not aware of the attack, and proceeded to PLC without incident. The victims returned to Trinidad and went directly to the Trinidad coast guard station, where they filed a report and were given medical assistance.
NOTE: The Paria peninsula where this incident occurred has been the site of several other violent piracy attacks, one of them fatal. Cruisers should fully consider the risks before traveling in this area and those using “buddy boats” should have firm, agreed plans in place for routing and regular communications as well as emergency communications and response plans for use before, during and after any perceived threat or event.