Yachties talk crime

Newsday spoke to one yachtee who was robbed last week Thursday about 2.30 am. The Englishman said he put out a distress call at about 4.30 am. He said the Coast Guard responded 90 minutes later. By that time the criminals had already escaped. The young man added that the alleged criminals roamed his yacht for almost two hours, with guns and knives taking with them many valuables such as his laptop, his Ipod, money and other high tech equipment. He further added that the men interfered with the two German women who were also aboard his vessel. The vessel owner said the Coast Guard returned to check for fingerprints the Sunday after three days later, but by that time there was nothing to be found.

When Newsday asked if he would return to Trinidad he said:

“ No. I think the authorities are very inept at their jobs and I am not speaking about my situation only. Many other vessel owners have been held up, assaulted and robbed without getting justice. The authorities move very slowly also. I am packing and preparing to leave.”

In the meeting, an American Citizens’ Service Officer said that the Embassy will take every precaution to protect the vessel owners, but cannot assist them unless they report the crimes against them. He added that he realises that the vessel owners do contribute a lot to the economy as without them many people, especially in the Chaguaramas community will be out of jobs, as many of the businesses in Chaguaramas are based around yacht owners and their yachts.

The yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (YSATT) will be providing a shuttle service for vessel owners who need transport to their dinghies as many have been robbed while walking to them. YSATT, the various Embassies and the business owners from Chaguaramas all said that they will do their best to assist in decreasing the level of crime in the yachting community.