Madagascar, Mahajanga: Armed Robbery – October 2016

Our thanks to SV Camomile who received this report from Italian yacht Eutikia and translated it for noonsite.

Armed robbery at port Mahajanga anchorage, Madagascar NW coast.

On 30th October 2016, s/v Eutikia was anchored at 15 43.924 S 46 18.562E with 3 other yachts who moved on during the day leaving Eutikia alone in the evening.

We had checked out on the 28th and had the Harbour Master’s permission to leave after we had refuelled and provisioned for the passage to South Africa – which we were planning to start on the 31st October.

At 01.00 o’clock in the morning and a dark moon, 3 criminals armed with knives boarded our yacht from a canoe.  The men put knives to our throats and forced us inside the boat.  They then stole our money, cameras, video cameras, cell phones, PC, many personal items and much more.

Not our lives, thank God, but following this vicious attack, we hired two security guards (at 10 euros).

On Monday 31st I purchased a new PC (for navigation and weather forecasts) and informed the local Police. I also informed the Italian Ministero Esteri, Unità di crisi, at the Italian Embassy in Pretoria SA and the French Embassy at Antanarivo. I also sent press info. to the most important newspapers of Antanarivo and to the Madagascar Tourist Office.

At 12.00 we ran away.

Giovanni & Marina Testa

Sv Eutikia

Amel ketch 53

(Editor’s Note: 5 nights later the same boat had their outboard motor stolen in Bazaruto, Mozambique).