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26 April 2013: Another Burglary in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia
After five months of no incidents, this month has seen a report of a burglary of a yacht at anchor in Vieux Fort. History indicates that this, like all past incidents, occurred during daylight hours while the captain and crew are ashore, indicating that someone is most likely watching from shore.
While Vieux Fort does not have the yachting population like Rodney Bay and Marigot, it has seen an upswing in traffic, due to proximity to the airport (much easier to drop off and collect crew and guests) and to the quiet anchorage. Cruisers are urged to take the appropriate precautions, possibly leaving someone on board at all times, to discourage potential incidents.
18 April 2013: Update from Luperon, Dominican Republic
As reported back in February, there have been numerous burglaries of yachts at anchor in Luperon. Last week, two additional boats were burgled and no details are available as to what was taken until the owners return from abroad. Nevertheless, cruisers instigated a meeting with the US Embassy from Santo Domingo, the Ministerio de Turismo from Puerto Plata and the local police concerning the ongoing crime in the harbor. Officials say that more than twenty boats have been affected, all with absent owners and some with no boat names. The navy is patrolling at night but those patrols are impacted by the lack of fuel. The police arrested an individual but had to release him since the owner of the boat in question was not available to file a report. There are also indications that the crime is spreading to ex-patriots living on shore.
Cruisers visiting Luperon should continue to exercise extreme caution and, upon arrival, to check with boats in the harbor for the current situation.
26 March 2013: Yacht Survey Underway by MAYAG in Grenada
Any yacht who has visited Grenada between May 2012 and May 2013 is encouraged to participate in the annual MAYAG survey by going to www.grenadagrenadinesyachting.com <http://www.grenadagrenadinesyachting.com/> - under news items, or www.surveymonkey.com/s/JN6R6FY <http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JN6R6FY>
21 March 2013: Thefts in Le Marin, Martinique, at the Leader Price Dock
This month’s reports include three from Martinique, all occurring at the dinghy dock for the Leader Price Supermarket and all during the day. One yacht reporting also mentioned that there have been a number of incidents of gas being stolen from dinghy gas tanks. These incidents are most likely the work of an unscrupulous cruiser but, nevertheless, all cruisers are cautioned not to leave ANYTHING of value unlocked in the dinghy while at this dock.
13 March 2013: Security Issues in the West Lemmon Cays, San Blas Islands, Panama
Three reports this month from the West Lemmon Cays, involving dinghy and outboard thefts and a pair of solar panels. This area is a mooring field and was formerly managed by a man who left in December to work at a nearby marina. It is unlikely that these thefts are the work of the Kuna Indians. Cruisers visiting the area are cautioned to use all appropriate precautions and to check the moorings prior to use, as they are no longer maintained.
20 February 2013: Be Careful in Luperon, Dominican Republic
A cruiser at anchor in Luperon reports that as many as twelve boats have been burgled throughout 2012, culminating in a major incident involving the complete loss by fire of a power boat valued at $250,000 (incident listed on the GREATER ANTILLES page). Most of these boats have been left unattended. The police, Navy, port captain, and the government and newspapers have now been contacted, and two arrests have been made, with authorities looking for a third.
Anyone visiting Luperon should exercise extreme caution and check with other boats in the harbor and ex-patriots living on shore as to the current situation.
14 February 2013: Late Report from Bequia
The SOUTHERN WINDWARDS page includes a report from Bequia occurring in late December. The yacht involved noted that a second incident happened the same night to a neighboring boat, and at least two other boardings during the same time frame.
Since those incidents, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has stationed a coast guard patrol boat in Admiralty Bay and no further incidents have been reported.
3 February 2013: Outboards Targeted at Puerto Del Rey Marina
The GREATER ANTILLES page includes the report of an outboard stolen from a secure service area within Puerto Del Rey Marina in Puerto Rico. Two days later a second outboard was stolen from a yacht in a slip in the marina. These appear to be connected to the two outboards stolen from other vessels in the boatyard in January. All outboards are 2 stroke 15 hp Yamahas. Marina security has been involved and has promised to strengthen their efforts, although it appears that the perpetrator has inside knowledge of marina security procedures.