Humans are OK afterward
There are apparently no long term effects, but it will stop an attacker in their tracks.
Mike Harker Savagely Beaten In Carribean
- Thread starter Ken Palmer
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Having cruised for ten years throughout the Caribbean, we were always aware of the thin veneer of civility that tourist dollars brought to island communities. Yet, just beneath the surface was a uneasy tension that we felt could potentially have exploded at any time. Many times, there was a disconnect between islanders understanding that the tourist/cruiser spending money provided much needed jobs for the locals. And, at times, it could be pervasive. Whenever we leave the boundaries of the U.S. and Western Europe,especially in these difficult economic times, we must accept the rules we have learned do not always apply to other people/cultures. That poverty and crime can be disguised by a clean t-shirt and a pair of shorts. And, that legal systems may operate in ways both puzzling and frightening to our civilized standards. This is part of the allure of cruising, but it is also potential risk whenever leaving our boundaries of comfort. Growing up in Chicago as a young person, I considered myself more streetwise than my suburban counterparts. Yet, still unwittingly witnessed a stabbing in Mexico, a hit and run of a cruisiing father and son by a local drug dealer in Tortola, and numerous thefts of fishing gear, electronics,dingys and motors. So,even the most wary, street smart and cautious will fall victim to crime. I believe this was the case with Mike Harker- a seasoned cruiser, in what appears to be a crowded anchorage, falling victim to violent crime. The strongest and toughest of us when taken by surprise may be overcomed by someone of lesser strength. They were not content to rob him, but also wanted to beat and humiliate him before they left . . not caring if he were dead or alive. All the tactics in the world will not stop a dedicated attack by those who desire to rob you and do harm. So, when we untie the dock lines and head for distant lands, we must accept the potential for good and evil yet, not become so jaded that the experience becomes one of apprehension rather than enjoyment. We wish you, Mike, a full and speedy recovery. Captain Ron
Although the victim in this case was asleep and completely unaware and...Regardless of laws in foreign ports against guns...excessive firepower ALWAYS wins the battles! If u are awake and aware (which alerts, bells, and alarm systems will wake you), a 12 gauge Mossberg Mariner pump with the plug removed will make chum out of all intruders. I will take a jail sentence for carrying a shot gun in Martinique any day over getting the chit beat out of me! Call me heartless, but a thief who beats people nearly to death is no more than a wharf rat to me!
And when in jail, you'll have the chit beat out of you dailly. There is no win here. I'd probably do the same thing, but remember when you pull the trigger, it doesnt end, just starts.
I was a corrections officer, faught for my life, inmate lost. So did I.
I was a corrections officer, faught for my life, inmate lost. So did I.
I am competent with firearms but you must be prepared for a fight to be effective. An electric fence charger for livestock fencing would energize all of the railings and a person with a salt water wet body would not be able to cross them. A spiked mat in the cockpit and others as the owner chooses would injure and mark an intruder.
If ever you have stepped on a thumb tack you will know how effective such would be.
If ever you have stepped on a thumb tack you will know how effective such would be.
Marc, I knew my post would draw a reply such as this and I am very aware that what you say is very true....but as u said, "you would do the same thing", so would I. As seen in a previous post, "it is better to be judged by 12 than carried by six". Maybe I die in jail, but maybe not. But if you are armed and ready you will be the sole judge of who comes aboard your boat in the middle of the night. Nice guys don't appear out of the dark with intent to do harm. But you were a corrections officer and you can probably write volumes on that subject, so I won't push the envelope here. Your point was valid and well taken. Thanks!
"picking a boat" to enter would include the attractiveness of the boat--shiny vs not shiny and ease of access from a swimming person would include sugar scoop transom. those 2 ingredients would draw the eye of any bad guy. shiny attracts rats and sugar scoop brings em in---think about this when you buy the easy access boat for cruising--there are down sides to the bling that is added to the basic boat. did the multimillionaire in the run down dirty boat get hit?? NO, he did not. SO--WHAT ATTRACTS THE EYE OF A THIEF???? shiny and easy. get real. stop defending your special sugar scoop transommed shiny boats--they should not complain who attract the eye of those they want not to know, but should be well trained in the martial arts. and sleepless.
Never take a can of aerosol bug spray or a fire extinguisher to a gun fight! Be prepared and meet the threat with equal or better fire power...always...and from more than an "arm's length" distance! You are the good guy and have done nothing wrong...That is my attitude. If there is harm coming your way and your life is threatened then eliminate the threat. It may be your only way to survive.
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