Allen and Kate Barry of the s/v Mendocino Queen endured a horrifying attack and robbery while visiting the Tobago Cays just a few weeks ago. Below is an excerpt from their report to Noonsite. Warning: strong language is used.
“About 10PM Allen was below deck reading and thought he heard a slow running outboard motor. He grabbed the big 4 cell flashlight, went on deck and shined it about. He caught a glimpse of a small boat motoring away. The sound faded and he saw nothing further but kept looking around. Shortly thereafter, maybe only 10 mins, there was a sound at the bow and Allen, who was again below, came on deck and saw two men wearing masks board the boat. One raced down the deck toward Allen, carrying something in his hand.
Allen went back below and grabbed the first heavy object he found which was the 4 D cell flashlight (about 14 inches long). He also yelled for Kate who had just gone to bed. Allen started back up the companion stairs, which was now blocked by one of the boarders. Allen repeatedly struck the man, using the flashlight and kept screaming, “Get off my boat you motherf***er.” Allen kept yelling at the top of his lungs and hitting the boarder over and over. The boarder was trying to force his way below by kicking or stomping Allen in the chest arms and face. The struggle allowed Kate enough time to get to the VHF radio and put out a distress call, which was picked up by a few yachts. The man Allen was fighting with was screaming also. He was screaming, “I’m going to kill you motherf***er,” over and over. We were making a lot of noise and the vessel anchored closest to us heard both the commotion and the VHF call. The man attacking Allen got hold of the flashlight about the same time Kate finished the VHF call. Kate then attacked him with her fists and he clubbed her over the head with the flashlight. The blow split the skin on Kates scalp and blood flowed from her head over her neck, shoulders and back. The second assailant was now pointing a gun at Kate’s head and the first assailant had a knife to Allen throat. Allen had been knocked into the Nav Station during the struggle.”
For the complete story as well as the response they received from the authorities and what they feel they did right or should have done different, go to www.noonsite.com.
We are so sorry to hear of your attack in Tobago Keys. Both my husband, myself and our 9 year old daughter are from SA so we fully understand how you must be feeling. We set sail from Grenada to Totola Keys just after you had this terrible incident so we obviously spoke with the parks board officials when they came looking for money and they assured me that they have now posted security in the area, needless to say, I do not recall any security the night we were anchored there and of course it is easy to say it has been done, but if anything is done is another matter.
Please do not be put off crusing/sailing the Caribbean as being from SA, I appreciate the low violent crime incidents in this region, but again, I would not wish what you people went through on anyone. I know a lot of yachties are so passive and will blame you for retaliating but we would have done the same if it had been us and being a mother of a nine year old daughter, I will not stand back and let things run their course, we will fight for what is ours as the minute they step on board, they are breaking the law as it would be if they stepped into your house on land, in SA we unfortunately have to shoot as they are armed to the hilt, if we don;t I would perhaps not be writing this email to you.
Take care and happy sailing
Denise, John and Natasha Cluistra
s/v Nauti Cat
Prickly Bay
Grenada
Carry a few Flair Guns, They work well in close Quarters. Use the red for Pirates and Yellow for locals. They burn a long time,so push the Bum overboard. That will also mark the recovery area for the local Cops.
Those robbers were caught on the 20th july 2011presently in prison and they are awaiting trial
Knowing that the law ‘disarms’ potential victims – is an open invitation to those who seek to take by force what they want. If a human being cannot stand and defend what they have worked for and sacrificed for – then who says that they must limit their their right to protect it. Americans have a unique point of view (in some cases) from other cultures. But whether you agree or disagree with it – remember the United States is still the land where many seek with all their might – to reach and enter.