Published 14 years ago, updated 6 years ago

Update 20 September 2010:

Reports on the island of Margarita now state that this skipper was involved in drug trafficking and was killed due to the fact he failed to pay his suppliers.

A single-hander Italian Skipper was found murdered on board his yacht at the end of August 2010, having been shot twice. Local press reports state that the attack took place in or very near to Chacachacare, a small town near Boca de Rio on the Island of Margarita, Venezuela.

International cruisers do not normally anchor here, but according to local press, the Italian did so because he had not yet checked in with local authorities. Local sources indicate that perhaps he felt safe anchoring near Astilleros del Caribe, a boatyard known to sailors.

It is thought he was killed because he resisted the group of assailants who boarded his boat to rob him.

Four men (including 3 policemen) have been arrested.

Locals have commented how the fact that 3 local policemen were involved is particularly unsettling to Margarita in general, as it further heightens uncertainties about security. Local police officials have once again announced plans to purge the police force