British Couple Released

Some good news out of Somalia - the Chandler's have been released, as reported by CNN.


Resolution to a 13 month ordeal.

Pirates Run Yacht Aground and Abduct Crew

From Yachtpals.com - a story of a yacht taken in Somalia.
I would advise readers interested in the story to read the comments section, which adds more details to the main story.

New Press release from GOST

GOST To Feature New GOST Cloak At METS 2010
Impenetrable Smoke Cloud Stops Thieves in Their Tracks
See at Stand 11.612, Amsterdam RAI, November 16-18
Watch the GOST Cloak demonstration video

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (USA) – Global Ocean Security Technologies (GOST - formerly Paradox Marine) will feature the new GOST Cloak system at METS (Marine Equipment Trade Show) 2010, November 16-18 at the Amsterdam RAI (Stand 11.612).

GOST Cloak System

Most property loss occurs in the initial minutes of a break-in, before police or security teams have had a chance to respond. The GOST Cloak system is designed to provide protection in the critical time gap between onboard alarm activation and the response team’s arrival.

In a matter of seconds, the GOST Cloak system fills the protected vessel interior with an impenetrable cloud of smoke that makes the intruder disorientated and confused and forces them off the vessel until the response team arrives. This prevents damage or loss of property on the vessel.

The fog is created by vaporizing a specially formulated glycol solution. Glycol is classified as a foodstuff and is found in many day-to-day substances such as toothpaste and deodorants. The vapor produced is a dense, white fog which reduces visibility to less than 30 cm, practically no visibility, but which, under normal usage, is harmless to anything aboard a yacht.

Other GOST Products To See At METS 2010:

GOST Products
Left to right: GOST Insight, GOST Nav-Tracker, GOST Marine Magellan,
GOST Watch, GOST Acoustic Barrier Powered by Inferno and GOST Immobilizer.

GOST Insight - Wireless security, monitoring, tracking & surveillance cameras can be set to record clips to website on alarm activation and send text & email notifications. DVR will record four cameras for 30 days.

GOST Nav-Tracker - Inmarsat Satellite-based GPS Tracking. Remotely control geo-fence and track your vessel online anywhere in the world using Google Earth interface. This product was awarded a medal by the US Coast Guard for assistance in the recovery of various high profile vessels.

GOST Marine Magellan - Wireless security & monitoring. Call into system from any phone to arm/disarm or control relays. Up to 32 wireless sensors & eight wireless relays. Systems available for any size vessel.

GOST Watch - Surveillance system that can easily add-on to existing cameras onboard, which enables you to view your cameras remotely from your smart phone or computer from anywhere at any time.

GOST Acoustic Barrier powered by Inferno - Functions as a sound barrier or as a traditional siren. GOST Acoustic Barrier effectively stops intruders in their tracks by generating a patented unbearable pattern, frequency and intensity noise. Combine with the GOST Cloak for the ultimate interior vessel protection during initial stages of break in.

GOST Immobilizer - The new GOST Immobilizer is a simple yet effective device for protecting tenders, outboard boats, or PWCs from theft. The system is controlled via key fob and when armed will prevent the engine from starting. When armed, it blocks high current draw from the battery as the starter is engaged. When someone is attempting to start the vessel, it will not start and the siren will sound for a predetermined set time.

For more information about the GOST Cloak system and other GOST marine security and vessel tracking products, visit Stand 11.612 at METS 2010, www.gostglobal.com or call 1+954.565.9898.
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Global Ocean Security Technologies - 1200 NE 7th Avenue - Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 USA

And contact me here for any other questions you may have regarding yacht, vessel and personal security issues.

Another Event in Venezuela

From Noonsite:
Posted 23 October, 2010
Cruising yacht "Boldly Go", crewed by Ellen Birrell and Jim Hutchins, were attacked by pirates on 15 October 2010 at approximately N011 05.000 / W063 23.000 (4 1/2 hr sail west of Los Testigos en route to Porlamor) at 10:00 a.m. Venezuela time.
The couple were assaulted and held at gunpoint while the pirates ransacked "Boldly Go" taking all valuable items they could carry back in their 16' pinero (wooden boat).
Both Ellen and Jim are physically fine after their ordeal and are currently in Porlamor, Isla Margarita, at anchor,refitting their yacht and working with the GuardaCosta and Policia located in Pampatar, Isla Margarita (15 mins away).

Message Received 30 October, 2010
We sailed from Testigos to Margarita early April this year (2010). Because we were informed by another yacht that there is a spotter supposed to be on the Testigos who informs pirates when a yacht leaves, we left in the middle of the night without noise and lights and arrived safe in Margarita at dawn.
After all that we have heard later regarding the safety situation in Venezuela, we cannot recommend to go there.
Reini Gelder
SY Avegitana

The bottom post emphasizes (in my way of thinking) the importance of awareness and 'Operational Security' - when going into situations you are unsure of, take all reasonable precautions.

Guns onboard, new article

As we always stress, this is an emotional issue and entirely dependent on the owner and captain. Research the rules, make wise decisions.

The Triton

Contact me if you have questions, and I'll get you in touch with the proper resources to make your decisions.

Comments

I received a comment from a reader and would like to reply to him privately. If you can (and this applies to you), please send me a contact address in the comments. I moderate the comments, so it shouldn't get published openly. Thanks. Don