Attack on British Yacht 10 miles from Puerto Santos, Venezuela

Created by sue. Last modified on 2008-07-12 08:32:46
Topic: Piracy Reports 2008
Countries: Venezuela

My parents, Peter and Betty Lee, were attacked on their yacht "Raven Eye" after leaving Puerto Santos on the 5th July 2008.

A pirogue with 6 men aboard approached the boat (whilst they were underway). One man was in military uniform. Peter proceeded to slam and try to sink the boat but shots were fired.

The men boarded "Raven Eye", shooting and stabbing the family dog. They tied Peter on deck with a gun pointing at him and went down below and held Mrs Lee with 2 guns pointing at her face. They took US$300, a laptop computer, tool boxes, the SSB radio, outboard motor, ripped the microphones from the VHF, ripped the compass out, tried to take the radar and forward looking sonar but they were fixed too well, and left the boat a complete mess. They also tried to take Mrs Lee's wedding ring, but she could not get it off and in the process cut her hand severely.

After the attack my parents had no means of communication at all so Peter took the decision to get out of Venezuelan waters to Trinidad.

The case is now in the hands of the authorities and the British Commission.

PEOPLE NEED TO BE AWARE.

If anyone has any advice or know of people we can contact, we would be grateful.

Regards
Katie Lee
S/V Lady Domina