Have heard lots of talk about so called pirates who board and cause trouble. How common is this issue? What can be done to keep them away? Do you keep anything onboard to protect you and crew? Thank you
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where do you sail??
We have been sailing for 15 years anchoring out in remote locations with no problems. Your brain is your best defense. A gun is probably a good backup if legal. But we have had women abducted and raped at a local wal-mart parking lot!!!! Bad things can happen anywhere!!! My son's friend had people break into his house while he was at home. They threatened him and he just happened to have a loaded pistol and the crooks ran off down the street. Later neighbors told him that a nearby house with a simular appearance and number was being rented by druggies!!! He now thinks that they were looking for drugs. This is in an nice neighborhood of $250,000+ homes!!!!! The police have since arrested the people at the drug house. I guess the same could happen out in the boonies if someone thought you were involved in drugs or something.
We have been sailing for 15 years anchoring out in remote locations with no problems. Your brain is your best defense. A gun is probably a good backup if legal. But we have had women abducted and raped at a local wal-mart parking lot!!!! Bad things can happen anywhere!!! My son's friend had people break into his house while he was at home. They threatened him and he just happened to have a loaded pistol and the crooks ran off down the street. Later neighbors told him that a nearby house with a simular appearance and number was being rented by druggies!!! He now thinks that they were looking for drugs. This is in an nice neighborhood of $250,000+ homes!!!!! The police have since arrested the people at the drug house. I guess the same could happen out in the boonies if someone thought you were involved in drugs or something.
Pirates
We sail the "Carolina" from near Teach's home waters in the Pamlico River. We keep a sharp lookout when passing Bath, and break out the potato cannon when a strange sail appears, calling for general quarters if they make in our direction. Seriously speaking the only pirates we have encountered are the tax assessors. Steve Kamp
We sail the "Carolina" from near Teach's home waters in the Pamlico River. We keep a sharp lookout when passing Bath, and break out the potato cannon when a strange sail appears, calling for general quarters if they make in our direction. Seriously speaking the only pirates we have encountered are the tax assessors. Steve Kamp
When Only A Gun Will Work
Read the latest copy of Crusing World. There is an article about two couples being attacked by pirates. The only thing that saved their lifes was the shotgun they had and used.
Read the latest copy of Crusing World. There is an article about two couples being attacked by pirates. The only thing that saved their lifes was the shotgun they had and used.
It is rare enough
to still be news when it happens. Your best and least alarming defence is a spray bottle filled with ammonia. A face full of ammonia will take the meanness out of the most determined person and there is no law against it. Wasp and hornet spray is also effective but its use contrary to the label instructions is a federal offence.
to still be news when it happens. Your best and least alarming defence is a spray bottle filled with ammonia. A face full of ammonia will take the meanness out of the most determined person and there is no law against it. Wasp and hornet spray is also effective but its use contrary to the label instructions is a federal offence.
Not in US
I have never heard of priates around the US. The closest I've heard is the southeast side of Jamacia. Other known places are Yemen and one of the coast of Africa (can't remember if it's east or west side). Then there are priating governments like Belize. So if your going to stay in US waters, your fine and if not, like Tom said...your your brain and backup with something.
I have never heard of priates around the US. The closest I've heard is the southeast side of Jamacia. Other known places are Yemen and one of the coast of Africa (can't remember if it's east or west side). Then there are priating governments like Belize. So if your going to stay in US waters, your fine and if not, like Tom said...your your brain and backup with something.
Criminal scumbags
There are pirates everywhere. Pirate is just a glamorus word for crimal scumbag who steals boats or from boaters. The US like everwhere else in the world has water born thefts and crimes. We have traveled inside and are now traveling outside the US. We had more boat related thefts in the Anapolis area and in our marina than I have seen in 2 years in the Caribe and Venezuela. Not to say there isn't crime here, there is a lot (though not as violent as the US). The difference is the terminology and publicity. Crime happens. Even trveling in the US it is important not to think it can't happen there because it does. (read the local newspaper) It shouldn't stop you from traveling just be prepared. Don't leave values laying around, lock your boat, dinghy, etc, etc.. Our home base was Herringbay, Deale, MD and we lived and worked in the DC area. Crime and all we will be back there
There are pirates everywhere. Pirate is just a glamorus word for crimal scumbag who steals boats or from boaters. The US like everwhere else in the world has water born thefts and crimes. We have traveled inside and are now traveling outside the US. We had more boat related thefts in the Anapolis area and in our marina than I have seen in 2 years in the Caribe and Venezuela. Not to say there isn't crime here, there is a lot (though not as violent as the US). The difference is the terminology and publicity. Crime happens. Even trveling in the US it is important not to think it can't happen there because it does. (read the local newspaper) It shouldn't stop you from traveling just be prepared. Don't leave values laying around, lock your boat, dinghy, etc, etc.. Our home base was Herringbay, Deale, MD and we lived and worked in the DC area. Crime and all we will be back there
Warned by Coast Guard in the 80's
Indeed, back in the late 70's and early 80's pirates or boat thieves were identified in the areas of the Florida "big bend". When we were living aboard and cruising in our Coronado 35 back in the early 80's we were going to go up the western coast of Florida around the inner "big bend" to Fort Walton. This is a very desolate area, where coastal cities and marinas are many miles apart and your pretty much on your own. We were advised by Coast Guard folks in Ft. Meyers after we crossed the Okeechobee Waterway, that several powerboats and a few sailboats were taken by "pirates" for the drug trade and that we were to remain cautious and alert!! What? The coast of Florida a dangerous place to cruise?! I never heard of this before. Back then as it probably is today many just cross the gulf for convenience and stay away from area for lack of facilities and unmarked areas. Afterall once you past Tarpon Springs their is not very much going on til you get to Appalachacola. We did not cross the gulf and we never ventured past Tarpon Springs, as the concern was very real. Pirates in the USA? The US Coast Guard sure thought so. Bob
Indeed, back in the late 70's and early 80's pirates or boat thieves were identified in the areas of the Florida "big bend". When we were living aboard and cruising in our Coronado 35 back in the early 80's we were going to go up the western coast of Florida around the inner "big bend" to Fort Walton. This is a very desolate area, where coastal cities and marinas are many miles apart and your pretty much on your own. We were advised by Coast Guard folks in Ft. Meyers after we crossed the Okeechobee Waterway, that several powerboats and a few sailboats were taken by "pirates" for the drug trade and that we were to remain cautious and alert!! What? The coast of Florida a dangerous place to cruise?! I never heard of this before. Back then as it probably is today many just cross the gulf for convenience and stay away from area for lack of facilities and unmarked areas. Afterall once you past Tarpon Springs their is not very much going on til you get to Appalachacola. We did not cross the gulf and we never ventured past Tarpon Springs, as the concern was very real. Pirates in the USA? The US Coast Guard sure thought so. Bob
One thing Dave.
You said that 'The only thing that saved their lives was the shotgun they had and used.' The story is a little more involved than that. Both boats would have been toast if they didn't have STEEL HULLS. The pirates had machine guns and used them. They hosed down the sailboats with the clear intention of killing everyone aboard before they even boarded. These scum bags weren't interested in taking prisoners. It's quite a story. Too bad we didn't find out how much damage that shotgun did. But the pirates stopped moving after that shotgun went off a few times. Double O buck will do that.
You said that 'The only thing that saved their lives was the shotgun they had and used.' The story is a little more involved than that. Both boats would have been toast if they didn't have STEEL HULLS. The pirates had machine guns and used them. They hosed down the sailboats with the clear intention of killing everyone aboard before they even boarded. These scum bags weren't interested in taking prisoners. It's quite a story. Too bad we didn't find out how much damage that shotgun did. But the pirates stopped moving after that shotgun went off a few times. Double O buck will do that.
aw screw little ol' shotguns
time to get a rail mounted .50 BMG on all our boats and really show them Pirates whos boss..!
time to get a rail mounted .50 BMG on all our boats and really show them Pirates whos boss..!
Self defense
I think that what you need off the coast of Somalia may be a little more than in the coastal US -- even Florida. But even a small boat can defend itself. While the link shows a way of getting rid of annoying PWCs, it would probably work for pirates as well.
I think that what you need off the coast of Somalia may be a little more than in the coastal US -- even Florida. But even a small boat can defend itself. While the link shows a way of getting rid of annoying PWCs, it would probably work for pirates as well.
ROFL, Ted ;D
It remind me of the one about mounting JATO bottles on a sailboat. Might be the same guys. I think Fred's right about the steel hulls. Not only did it give the sailors protection from the gunfire, ramming a speedboat isn't something I'd like to contemplate in a glass boat. When added to the incident of the cruise ship that was fired upon in the same(?) area, I would expect that some action by the authorities (but which ones???) ought to be contemplated. Here's my crazy business idea of the day: We all know that cruising with guns is very difficult because of the gun laws at the various ports of call. Most cruisers headed for the Red Sea/Suez Canal stop at Cocos Keeling. So set up a shop there and 'rent' guns to cruisers after they clear customs/immigration. Meet them outside the port and help them mount their shiny new .50 cal M2 Machine Gun to the wind vane. Heck, throw in a couple heat-seeking missiles... do Stingers work as surface to surface weapons??? Then meet them on the other end before they make landfall and dismount the armaments...... ;D Cheers, Bob
It remind me of the one about mounting JATO bottles on a sailboat. Might be the same guys. I think Fred's right about the steel hulls. Not only did it give the sailors protection from the gunfire, ramming a speedboat isn't something I'd like to contemplate in a glass boat. When added to the incident of the cruise ship that was fired upon in the same(?) area, I would expect that some action by the authorities (but which ones???) ought to be contemplated. Here's my crazy business idea of the day: We all know that cruising with guns is very difficult because of the gun laws at the various ports of call. Most cruisers headed for the Red Sea/Suez Canal stop at Cocos Keeling. So set up a shop there and 'rent' guns to cruisers after they clear customs/immigration. Meet them outside the port and help them mount their shiny new .50 cal M2 Machine Gun to the wind vane. Heck, throw in a couple heat-seeking missiles... do Stingers work as surface to surface weapons??? Then meet them on the other end before they make landfall and dismount the armaments...... ;D Cheers, Bob
Man, this problem is so easy to fix.
A few armored (steel) boats disguised as yachts. A professional military crew disguised as yachties. High air cover with the appropriate missile system. (Name one, we have lots.) I would love to be the laser designator. The only problem with such a system is that it's relatively painless. Death wise, that is. I want these bastards to suffer.
A few armored (steel) boats disguised as yachts. A professional military crew disguised as yachties. High air cover with the appropriate missile system. (Name one, we have lots.
) I would love to be the laser designator. The only problem with such a system is that it's relatively painless. Death wise, that is. I want these bastards to suffer.
Somalian pirates
Dunno, Fred.... Aren't these the guys from "Black Hawk Down" ?? Have fun Flying Dutchman
Dunno, Fred.... Aren't these the guys from "Black Hawk Down" ?? Have fun Flying Dutchman
Henk we were there on a humanitarian mission.
No one bothered to ask why the country was starving. The warlords and their henchmen were well fed. They were raping the land and the women. This was a mini-Vietnam for us. And we didn't even go there to fight. Muslims again. A blackhawk is NOT an Apache! There would have been no disaster with a well armed force.
No one bothered to ask why the country was starving. The warlords and their henchmen were well fed. They were raping the land and the women. This was a mini-Vietnam for us. And we didn't even go there to fight. Muslims again. A blackhawk is NOT an Apache! There would have been no disaster with a well armed force.
modern piracy
Take a look at Dangerous Waters: Modern Piracy and Terror on the High Seas (Hardcover) by John S. Burnett. Excellent read.
Take a look at Dangerous Waters: Modern Piracy and Terror on the High Seas (Hardcover) by John S. Burnett. Excellent read.
Pirates in the US, why not?
Whenever there are economic problems in a country the number of thieves and robbers and their methods grow. I would suspect that with Hurricane katrina the upper eastern Gulf of Mexico may have some of these people practicing their trade on unsuspecting cruisers. The problem now is that with US law enforcement being so good at what they do, and the laws being pretty strict that these people cannot afford to leave witnesses or evidence behind so they become killers instead of just plain robbers which is the real objective. We were sailing this week from Tampa Bay to Venice, FL and Coast Guard St. Petersburg kept giving a description over the VHF of an overdue 32 ft sail vessel with 4 people aboard transiting from Pensacola, FL to Tampa Bay. The first though in my mind, was I hope is not pirates. US pirates are perhaps more dangerous that in some 3rd world country where they know they can rob you and never get caught. There is not much you can do about a heavily armed go-fast boat but the wannabes on a skiff will become allergic to a 12 gauge shotgun so carry one. Warn off any fishing boats, shimp boats or suspicious looking power boats if they get to close. If running at night post double watch and turn your running lights off. Travelling with two or three other boats will lessen the risk. Satellite communication or single side band radio may help get the word out to have these people caught. Use common sense if you do not have to travel the upper eastern Gulf don't go there. Study the areas where you may want to go sailing for crime and socio-economic problems. The US Coast Guard being the law enforcement force in our coastal waterways should compile and publish a list about crimes commited in these waters.
Whenever there are economic problems in a country the number of thieves and robbers and their methods grow. I would suspect that with Hurricane katrina the upper eastern Gulf of Mexico may have some of these people practicing their trade on unsuspecting cruisers. The problem now is that with US law enforcement being so good at what they do, and the laws being pretty strict that these people cannot afford to leave witnesses or evidence behind so they become killers instead of just plain robbers which is the real objective. We were sailing this week from Tampa Bay to Venice, FL and Coast Guard St. Petersburg kept giving a description over the VHF of an overdue 32 ft sail vessel with 4 people aboard transiting from Pensacola, FL to Tampa Bay. The first though in my mind, was I hope is not pirates. US pirates are perhaps more dangerous that in some 3rd world country where they know they can rob you and never get caught. There is not much you can do about a heavily armed go-fast boat but the wannabes on a skiff will become allergic to a 12 gauge shotgun so carry one. Warn off any fishing boats, shimp boats or suspicious looking power boats if they get to close. If running at night post double watch and turn your running lights off. Travelling with two or three other boats will lessen the risk. Satellite communication or single side band radio may help get the word out to have these people caught. Use common sense if you do not have to travel the upper eastern Gulf don't go there. Study the areas where you may want to go sailing for crime and socio-economic problems. The US Coast Guard being the law enforcement force in our coastal waterways should compile and publish a list about crimes commited in these waters.
As I recall, the cruise ship had
a "sonic deterrent" weapon which caused the pirates to leave in that instance. There is another device which is being used in stores where young people are a problem. It was said that there are sounds which only teenagers can hear and if you find a really annoying one, they will find the nearest exit.
a "sonic deterrent" weapon which caused the pirates to leave in that instance. There is another device which is being used in stores where young people are a problem. It was said that there are sounds which only teenagers can hear and if you find a really annoying one, they will find the nearest exit.
Its called opera music ..
At least at the 7-11 close to our son's high school it is. All day every day they play opera music ... and the kids don't "chill" there. I like the idea of a potato cannon dressed up to look like 105mm recoilless rifle ...
At least at the 7-11 close to our son's high school it is. All day every day they play opera music ... and the kids don't "chill" there.
I like the idea of a potato cannon dressed up to look like 105mm recoilless rifle ...- Status