CSSN First Hand Report

DATE: 2023-12-29 08:00
LOCATION: Colombia – Punta Canoas
EVENT: Piracy
HAND: 1
STOLEN ITEMS: batteries,cables,sails,fenders +++

DETAILS:

A singlehander departed Santa Marta, Colombia, for the San Blas islands (Panama) and was attacked by pirates about 5 miles offshore Barranquilla, Colombia.

The 3 pirates boarded and attacked the captain, beating him and then stabbing him with a knife they found onboard. They made 3 trips to his boat over a few hours time and stole many things including batteries, cables, sails, blocks, fenders +++ and they destroyed electronics.

The captain was able to make phone contact with a friend in his home country between visits and they contacted their local rescue authorities who then made contact with the Colombian Coast Guard.

The injured captain continued to repel the pirates’ later visits with a hammer and flares, and cut a line they were using in an attempt to tow him toward shore. The pirates finally gave up. The Colombian Coast Guard arrived at the yacht about 30 minutes after the final visit by the pirates and provided assistance and then towed the yacht back to Santa Marta marina where the captain was taken by ambulance to the hospital, treated and kept overnight.

Reports were made to the Coast Guard and the marina.

Related Links:

Also see this interview with the skipper on You Tube, after the harrowing ordeal.