Pirate Attack Claims Life of Beloved Cruiser
Melodye Pompa, of CSSN, has documented the trends in crimes against cruisers, as reported in the Los Angeles Times last June. "What is new in the last two to three years is an increase in the use of weapons," she said in the article.
Meanwhile, many cruisers are quickly making or accelerating departure plans from Puerto La Cruz, though security within the marinas remains at an acceptable level. The cruising community there is grief-stricken and in shock. It is horrifying and extremely sad for those of us who have so many happy memories of time well spent in Venezuela to contemplate cruising there in the future in fear for our lives. Our hearts go out to the many wonderful Venezuelans who worked on our boats, took us on tours, found or made the impossible boat parts, changed our dollars for Bs, fixed our computers, entertained and fed us, and then befriended us for life. Their livelihoods, already affected by politics and the world economy, will now be further hurt by the understandable exodus of visiting yachts.
In months to come, instead of chaos on Ch. 72, which broadcasts the cruiser's net, expect long periods of silence.
Rest in peace, Ken, you'll be missed.
This report is pieced together from communications from two cruisers at Marina Bahia Redonda and notices on Noonsite.com and doyleguides.com. The opinions are my own.
Ellen Sanpere is a longtime Caribbean cruiser. To join the discussion about the attack in the CW forums, click here.
