Saint Lucia: TV Interview with Margaret Pratt, wife of murdered British yachtsman
Wife of murdered British yachtsman Roger Pratt has corrected facts about the attack, as reported in the UK media.
Published 10 years ago, updated 5 years ago
See noonsite’s first report on this attack here.
Margaret Pratt, speaking in a television interview broadcast in Saint Lucia, has spoken of the kindness she has received on the popular holiday island, and how the couple had enjoyed their time there. In particular, Mrs Pratt also clarified their experiences with customs officials prior to the incident.
Although the exact cause of Mr Pratt’s death after robbers boarded the couple’s yacht at anchor in View Fort, has not yet been made public, it has been confirmed that it was not due to gunshot, as reported in some media.
Margaret Pratt interview Clip 1: http://youtu.be/c5-g_90trLY
Margaret Pratt interview clip 2: http://youtu.be/9aZJ5a3S1zA
The Daily Telegraph today reports some new details of interest about the intended robbery and attack that led to Mr Pratt’s death;
Vernon Francois, the commissioner of the island’s police force, told The Telegraph that his officers had made good progress during three days of interrogations. “They have three persons in custody and these people are actually cooperating with the investigation,” Commissioner Francois said.
He refused to say whether that meant the men had confessed to playing a part in the robbery.
All three were arrested on Saturday afternoon following a tip-off from the local community in Vieux Fort. They surrendered without resistance and a small boat containing stolen items from the Pratts’ yacht, Magnetic Attraction, was found nearby.
“This appears to have been intended as a robbery and went out of control,” Commissioner Francois said.
Cruising Association Comments
The couple, both Cruising Association (CA) members, had set off from the UK last July. CA Vice President, Judith Grimwade said: “It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Roger Pratt. Our local representative in Saint Lucia has offered to give all possible support and assistance. Such incidents as this are, thankfully, rare which makes them all the more shocking when they occur. On behalf of the members of the CA, condolences have been sent to Margaret.”
Roger and Margaret Pratt had sailed across the Atlantic from Lanzarote to Martinique, before beginning their cruise south. After spending over two weeks exploring Saint Lucia, the couple had planned to clear out from Soufriere, before visiting Vieux Fort at the South end of the island, then crossing to Bequia in Saint Vincent. However, on learning from officials in Soufriere that departure needed to be within 24 hours of clearing out, they changed their plans so as to spend the weekend in Vieux Fort and depart Saint Lucia after the immigration office opened on the following Monday.
Bob Hathaway, manager of the Marigot Bay Marina and the also the CA’s local representative in Saint Lucia said: “The entire yachting and tourism sector is working hard to support Margaret. Roger and Margaret were customers of ours for a few days in the New Year and by all accounts enjoyed their time in Marigot Bay. I have already made the offer to look after the yacht should Margaret decide to leave it in Saint Lucia and return to the UK.”
Cuthbert Didier Yachting Consultant in the Ministry of Tourism statement – http://youtu.be/w7wmACA8lk8
Minister of Tourism Lorne Theophilus statement – http://youtu.be/j43jQFIua3E
News story on DBS http://www.dbstvstlucia.com/
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Related to following destinations: St. Lucia, United Kingdom
Related to the following Cruising Resources: Caribbean, Piracy & Security
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