Two links for your pleasure

http://www.seaworthy.com/ - from the people at the IslandHopper.com website - seems a great resource.


http://www.safetyandsecuritynet.com/ - an old favorite.

Pirates threaten boats on US-Mexico border lake

More information from the border area

Mexican Bandits

"Men armed with assault rifles robbed fishermen on the Mexican side of Falcon Lake on April 30 and May 6. They traveled in the low-slung, underpowered commercial Mexican fishing boats that are familiar here. They asked for money, drugs and guns, and took what cash was available. No one was hurt."

Piracy (maritime criminal activities) in Texas

http://www.nationalterroralert.com/

and


http://feraljundi.com/

Two articles (local news sources - KENS and KVUE) and exposure on the blogosphere.

Piracy (maritime criminal activities) are not just in the Caribbean - take security precautions whenever you are out boating and cruising.

Papua New Guinea and Isla Mujeres

Two stories from Noonsite, and the has been a discussion on Cruisers_Network_Online about the Isla Mujeres story.

The PNG attack was the first yacht attack reported to Noonsite since January 2008, and characterized by the use of knives and machetes and 6 men.

The Isla Mujeres story tells of s cruisers experience bringing in (and declaring) a pistol and ammunition to the authorities. It turned out well, but could have been much worse. Noonsite also has a page covering the entry process for yachts here.

A story about situational awareness

Thankfully, things worked out well for the people in the story. It could have been very bad.
Always keep an eye out for actions 'out of the ordinary'. Having too much of a good time can lead to putting yourself in a vulnerable situation, and not able think clearly, it can lead to unpleasant events.

The story is at Dockwalk, and I found the comments interesting, also.



Any readers care to tell me what the Chinese characters mean?

Final word on Venezuelan Pirate attack on German Sailboat

Just came across this on the Yahoo group Cruisers Network Online

The name of the boat is "Spirit of Cologne II", home port Koln, Germany. It was attacked on Saturday 3rd April, one mile off the North coast of Venezuela along the Paria de Peninsula.

Also found information at Sail-World.com .
Thanks to them for the map of the area.