cssn - The Caribbean Safety and Security Net

2117 – Theft in Puerto Rico (US) – Vieques – Esperanza

Incident Date: 2017-03-02 at 00:00

Event Type: Theft

Stolen Items: Dinghy/outboard/fuel tank, dinghy recovered

Secured: Not Locked

Source Type: 1st Hand Report

Incident Details: A yacht anchored in Sun Bay had its in-the-water and unlocked dinghy stolen overnight while the crew (and dog) slept. The dinghy was recovered the next morning swamped near the beach, minus the outboard which had been securely locked with a solid bar across the transom clamps. The thieves had used a 2×4 to sever it from the dinghy and apparently left by land vehicle. The fuel tank line was cut in 2 places and the tank was taken as well. A report was made to the local police. There were 6 other boats anchored in the bay that night, and one other had its dinghy/outboard stolen as well. CSSN will publish another report when those details are received.

March 2, 2017

2118 – Theft in Puerto Rico (US) – Vieques – Esperanza

Incident Date: 2017-03-02 at 02:00

Event Type: Theft

Stolen Items: Dinghy and outboard

Secured: Not Locked

Source Type: 1st Hand Report

Incident Details: An in-the-water and not locked dinghy was stolen from an anchored yacht overnight. The outboard was removed and the dinghy set adrift. It ended up beating against the rocks and was found unsalvageable the next morning, the fuel tank and life jackets were recovered. A police report was made, but victims describe the police as "unhelpful", and no incident report was provided. CSSN NOTE: This is the second report for this same night in this bay, see the prior report HERE. There have been 5 thefts reported to CSSN in Esperanza so far in 2017, and police indicated there were several other (not reported to CSSN) dinghy/outboard thefts as well. Thieves operating in Esperanza are vigilant and well prepared, using large bolt cutters on well secured dinghies and trailers when required. Police there have not proven effective at controlling the persistent problem.

March 2, 2017

2111 – Theft in Honduras – Utila

Incident Date: 2017-02-21 at 03:00

Event Type: Theft

Stolen Items: Dinghy and Mercury 5HP outboard. Dinghy was later found on the beach.

Secured: Not Locked

Source Type: 2nd Hand Report

Incident Details: Overnight an unlocked dinghy was taken from a yacht. A local dive shop discovered the dinghy on the beach and it was returned (minus the outboard) to the owners. No report was made.

February 21, 2017

2116 – Vandalism in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Bequia – Admiralty Bay (Port Elizabeth)

Incident Date: 2017-02-20 at 22:30

Event Type: Vandalism

Stolen Items: Dinghy engine damaged

Secured: Locked

Source Type: 1st Hand Report

Incident Details: A yacht moored in Admiralty Bay took their dinghy to a nearby small (restaurant) dock for dinner. A man greeted them and tied the dinghy to the dock. When the owners proceeded to lock the dinghy he became upset and yelled "Bequia is not the United States, people do not lock things here". They locked the dinghy and the man continued to yell as they went to the restaurant. When they returned after dinner the outboard would not start. The next morning a close inspection revealed that the spark plug wire had been cut. A report was made to the police.

February 20, 2017

2112 – Burglary in Saint Lucia – Marigot – Inner Bay

Incident Date: 2017-02-17 at 21:00

Event Type: Burglary

Stolen Items: all cell phones and chargers onboard.

Secured: Not Locked

Source Type: 1st Hand Report

Incident Details: While ashore in the evening, a yacht on an outside mooring was entered, and thoroughly ransacked. All doors and hatches were closed, but a guest failed to properly engage a lock on one cabin hatch, which the thief discovered and used for enrty/exit. The vendor who rented the mooring had warned the crew of the problems in this bay and suggested taking all cash/passports/valuables with them to dinner. The phones and chargers left behind were taken. Nearby boats were occupied, but not aware of the boarding/burglary.

February 17, 2017

2113 – Theft in Saint Lucia – Marigot – Inner Bay

Incident Date: 2017-02-16 at 00:00

Event Type: Theft

Stolen Items: 2 fishing rods

Secured: Not Locked

Source Type: 1st Hand Report

Incident Details: Two fishing rods which were well secured to the boat (lines visibly cut) were stolen overnight while the crew slept. A report was made to the port captain and the police (photos of the fishing gear were provided).

February 16, 2017

2109 – Burglary in Saint Lucia – Soufriere – Bat Caves

Incident Date: 2017-02-13 at 11:30

Event Type: Burglary

Stolen Items: Cash, computers, camera, electronics

Secured: Locked

Source Type: 1st Hand Report

Incident Details: Around noon while the crew was ashore their yacht was broken into. The thieves were unable to gain entry through the well secured door, but were able to use a knife (which they left behind) to defeat a hatch lock. They took cash and electronics. 3 of the 4 moorings at the Bat Caves were occupied at the time. A report was made to the SMMA marine park, who refunded the daily mooring fee and advised against leaving boats unoccupied at night. CSSN NOTE: Nighttime burglaries have been a problem at this location for several years. Given that the local thieves have grown significantly bolder, if you choose to visit, consider leaving someone on board at all times.

February 13, 2017

2108 – Assault in Dominican Republic – Boca Chica

Incident Date: 2017-02-12 at 03:00

Event Type: Assault

Stolen Items: cash, cell phone, wristwatch and a bottle of rum

Secured: Not Locked

Source Type: 1st Hand Report

Incident Details: At approximately 0300 HRS the crew of a yacht on a Marina Zar Par mooring was awakened by a masked intruder, who had entered the unlocked yacht while they slept. He spoke Spanish (which the crew did not understand), threatening to tie the crew up. He displayed a knife but did not harm them while he searched – taking cash, a watch, a cellphone and a bottle of rum. He departed in an unpowered boat. The crew reported the incident to the marina security staff later that morning, and also made a report to the police and port captain. They were informed this was the 3rd incident of this type at this location this year. CSSN NOTE: CSSN has received firsthand reports for 2 of the 3 assaults, but no details about this third incident. If you are, or know those victims, please encourage them to make an easy online report, using this LINK.

February 12, 2017

2107 – Theft in Saint Martin (France) – Marigot Bay

Incident Date: 2017-02-08 at 18:00

Event Type: Theft

Stolen Items: 10 ft hardbottom dinghy, fuel tank and 15HP Suzuki outboard

Secured: Unknown

Source Type: 2nd Hand Report

Incident Details: Dinghy/outboard stolen from the Marigot ferry dock, reported on the VHF net. Not known if locked, no further details available

February 8, 2017

2114 – Theft in Grenada – Grenada – Prickly Bay

Incident Date: 2017-02-01 at 12:00

Event Type: Theft

Stolen Items: Folding propeller

Secured: Locked

Source Type: 1st Hand Report

Incident Details: A catamaran on a Prickly Bay Marina mooring discovered one of its two folding Kiwi props was missing after powering up and preparing to move. Divers conducted an immediate and very thorough search, and the prop was not found on the hard packed sandy bottom. The shaft was clean where the prop had been. Reported to the marina, who after the divers report agreed it had been stolen.

February 1, 2017

Author: cssn Archives