Thread: Pirate Attacks in the Caribbean

No, pirates have not attacked any cruise ship in the Caribbean. And, no, the area isn't the hotbed of pirate and terrorist activity against ships that other area (Somalia, Nigeria, Indonesia) are.

But, there HAVE been a few acutal pirate attacks in the Caribbean. Three were reported in 2005, and I'll post the stories of those in the next three posts.


So, if no cruise ships have been attacked, what's the point of this thread?

Just a reminder that, although we tend to feel SAFE on our cruises, we DO lsometimes venture into areas with dangers of which we are unaware, and it's wise to pack a dose of caution along with your sunscreen. And hold your children close.

Date: December 16, 2005

Cruise Bruise: Pirate Attack
Injured Crew: = 0
Bruise Location: Bull Bay in St. Thomas Jamaica
Vessel Name: Monkey's Business
Vessel Flag: Unknown

Key Points:

Pirates, three in count, boarded this veseel anchored at Cow Bull Bay in St. Thomas Jamaica, N 17 53.940 W 76 37.547. The men were interested in money, drugs and guns. $4000 in money was given, electronics jewelry and alcohol. There was gunfire from shore during the robbery and they abruptly left the vessel, telling the crew not to leave or they would be killed. The crew quickly retrieved their hidden firearms, and started pulling up anchor when the pirates returned three minutes later. They had picked up more men, there were 5 men, 3 with assault rifles on a canoe boat. When the pirates starting boarding them again, the crew open fired with a small firearm. The pirates were surprised, quickly left, without returning fire.


SOURCE: Cruise Ship Pirate Attacks - Pirate Attacks On Cruise Ships And Ship Lines - Pirate Hijackings

Date: October 30, 2005

Cruise Bruise: Pirate Attack
Injured Crew: = 0
Bruise Location: Bahia Del Sol, El Salvador
Vessel Name:
Vessel Flag: Unknown

Key Points:

Four armed pirates boarded the vessel while they were anchored off shore. They broke in to skipper’s cabin. Alarm was raised and robbers jumped into water leaving behind two machetes. An accomplice in a fishing boat picked them up. The pirates then fired gun shots at the vessel before leaving the scene. No injuries to crew. Incident reported to authorities who began patrolling the anchorage during night.


SOURCE: Cruise Ship Pirate Attacks - Pirate Attacks On Cruise Ships And Ship Lines - Pirate Hijackings

Date: Late May, 2005

Cruise Bruise: Pirate Attack
Injured: Crew = 0
Bruise Location: 4 miles off West point (the lighthouse), Negril
Vessel Name: Caramba
Vessel Flag: Spain

Key Points:

Pirates attacked the vessel coming from Guanaja, Honduras, with 2 crew, when he was boarded at 14:00 hours in the afternoon, by seven armed men, held at gun point, while the men took money, electronics, his tool kit and several head sails. His crew then decided to mutiny the vessel, flying home under severe mental anguish. This left Caramba's captain to continue the voyage alone to Curacao.


SOURCE: Cruise Ship Pirate Attacks - Pirate Attacks On Cruise Ships And Ship Lines - Pirate Hijackings

It's still a concern to folks with private yachts who sail in the Caribbean (much more so than many may think) ... but, I'm told, less than it once was because of much better communication.

Funny: Once, some we know were awaken by their yacht captain because they were being closely followed and he was very concerned. Turns out ... the man in the yacht following them did not hire a captain (throught he could sail it himself ) and was lost so he decided to just follow them since they would eventually lead him to some port!

Really cute story, Lulu.
Gave me a nice little chuckle this morning, so Thanks!

Keep your family close!

At least the pirates in the Caribbean are not on a par with the ones in Somalian waters! They are currently holding a vessel and it's crew of 30. Fortunately, no passengers were aboard.

Actually the hostages were freed and pirates captured or offed {?} in the Somali thing:

AFP: Somali pirates detained after hostage release: French officials

Originally Posted by zydecocruiser

Actually the hostages were freed and pirates captured or offed {?} in the Somali thing:

AFP: Somali pirates detained after hostage release: French officials

Oh Good! That just happened today! Let's hope there won't be nay more incidents where lives are at stake.