Friday, February 26, 2010

Pirates reduce ransom for Chandlers after pressure from abroad

'The pirates who captured a retired British couple four months ago have dismissed growing pressure from the Somali diaspora for their unconditional release but are reducing their ransom demands.'

From the folks at Noonsite (http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2010-02-25-1/view) and http://www.savethechandlers.com/

Progress is being made, I hope their release comes swiftly.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Colombia, Cartagena - Spate of Dinghy & Outboard Thefts

This from Noonsite - http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2010-02-23-1/view.

Any cruisers visiting Cartagena are well advised to raise their dinghy and lock it and the outboard to the boat AT ALL TIMES, but especially AT NIGHT.

Noonsite has recently received a number of reports concerning dinghy and in particular outboard theft in Cartagena. It appears that thieves are mainly targeting outboard engines (15hp+).

Please follow the link for the reports.

Good advice for all cruisers to raise and secure their dinghy at night.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Piracy incident in Trinidad, Dec 2009

This was sent out on the Cruisers_Network_Online.

Subject: Re: Yacht robbery - 21st Dec
All,
Just to keep everyone informed.
I spoke to the owner/capt, Robert Kienzle, of Triton in Grenada this
morning. Basic facts of the incident are as follows:
1) Attack position was 40 mls North of Trinidad on the rhumb line to Prickly Bay .
2) Pirate boat approached from behind, that is from the South.
3) Before boarding, shots were fired, one passing about 1/2 a meter from Robert at the helm.
4) 7 - 8 Spanish speaking men in pirogue, boarded by about 4 of them. Tied up and towel placed over heads.
5) When men were aboard Triton drifted with sails up and engine in neutral. Meanwhile, the pirogue circled Triton.
6) Triton stripped of "everything". Crew unharmed.
7) Pirate boat left in South Westerly direction, that is, towards Venezuela .
7) Description of pirate boat: Old, wooden, blue/red pirogue type with 3 x 175 hp Yamaha outboards.
This morning I informed customs of the incident and I'm trying to get hold of the two coast guard officers (King and Stelling) that previously dealt with us on piracy matters. They are not there and the coastguardsman that I spoke to did not know when they'd be back. I'll try again over the next few days.
A group of cruisers met this morning in the Roti Hut and I attended the meeting. They are understandably very concerned about the incident, but more so because YSATT is not giving information of such incidents. I explained the situation, but they are still (rightly) concerned. This has of course happened very suddenly and as we are on the brink of Christmas it could not be happening at a worse time.
I spoke to Peter Peake. He will ask their reception to inform boats heading North to be aware of the possibility of piracy. We will do the same and I'm hereby asking YSATT to make a general announcement on the net to this effect. For exact wording you are welcome to call me.
Merry Christmas to all.

The fishing boat model of three large outboards became fairly common after/during the '80s, with the 'commercial' trade that developed during that time. Here is a photo that is representative of the type of propulsion.


Just kidding about that last part.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Bahamas news?

The start of a forum from the folks at the Triton - http://thetriton.com/forums/security-piracy/security-and-crime-bahamas

Always a ton of news for the yachting and cruising community.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Lats and Att's article on Pirate Preparations and a couple of reviews

An article in the March 2010 issue of Latitudes and Attitudes (page 56) - Guns, Coconuts and Pirates. Go to http://www.seafaring.com/ and I'll let you explore the site and find the issue... or go to your local newstand/newsagent and purchase a copy.

Also, there is a short (but excellent) review of the Firstmate handheld FLIR - previously endorsed here. It is on page 127.

Matt Bracken has a new novel due out this year, Castigo Cay. If you haven't read his books, take a look at his website - http://www.enemiesforeignanddomestic.com/

Friday, February 12, 2010

Hostage Survival

From Mad Mariner - http://www.madmariner.com/vessels/story/HOSTAGE_SURVIVAL_020910_VX


Awareness and keeping a cool head are the best attitudes to bring to almost any situation. In my opinion, an abduction at sea is the same as one on land - don't go to the secondary crime scene. If possible, your best chance of escape is immediately after the attack. If part of a group, consider the cost/benefit of a simple idea - who will tell of the abduction if no one escapes?

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Media Hype or Firearm Facts—You Decide

Media Hype or Firearm Facts—You Decide
Posted on February 11, 2010 by Kellene Bishop
http://womenofcaliber.wordpress.com/2010/02/11/media-hype-or-firearm-facts%E2%80%94you-decide-2/


Thanks to Kellene for posting this. The inherent right to self defense should not be an emotional issue, but oftentimes it becomes one. No matter how you decide to defend yourself and your loved ones, get proper training. Training and awareness will get you through life much better than dumb luck....

I feel so strongly, I have also posted this to my Yau Kung Mun site

Monday, February 1, 2010

A couple from Noonsite

In keeping with the theme that protection isn't all guns and electronics, here's a link to help with the planning and preparation for a safe voyage.

New Weather and Routing Forum by noonsite.com - http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2010-02-01-1/view

An update on the Chandlers, being held in Somalia.
Kidnapped British Yachting Couple - In Captivity for over 100 Days - http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2010-01-31-1/view

Thanks for dropping by, tell a friend about the site here, love to hear from you.