Another Armed boarding in Porlamar, Isla Margarita, Venezuela

Created by doina. Last modified on 2007-03-23 15:53:53
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Topic: Piracy Reports 2005

There has been an armed boarding and robbery in the anchorage of Porlamar on the island of Isla Margarita, Venezuela. Sailing Vessel Nomotos, anchored on the southern edge of the anchorage, was boarded 10:45 at night on Sunday December 4th, 2005 by three men holding firearms and yelling (in Spanish) "Venezuelan Coast Guard, this is a drug check." After the boat owner opened the locked companionway, the pirates pointed a gun at the boat owner and demanded money and took a 35mm camera. The pirates were in their 30's. On leaving Nomotos the pirates fired a shot (I assume it was in the air). After talking to the Venezuelan police they told the owner of Nomotos that there have been 5 armed pirate attacks in Porlamar in the past 3 years. This is in addition to the monthly outboards that get stolen, both from dinghies in the water and the on davits.

This information was heard over the local VHF cruisers net in Porlamar, firsthand from S/V Nomotos. I thought it is important for cruisers to hear about any robberies here, especially armed, since they rarely get past official ears and are important to prepare safety precautions.

Cruisers anchoring in Porlamar should ALWAYS bring up their dinghies up and have an ALARMED lock for their dingy and engine. VHF Channel 72 is listened to at night for security and in the mornings at 8:00 for the net.

Ben