American Knifed to Death on Yacht in Guatamala
Posted on August 13, 2008
Filed Under News | 1 Comment
Reuters recently reported the tragic death of a retired American, and the attack of his wife on a yacht in Guatamala’s Rio Dulce. Reportedly, the town where the yacht was docked was known as a ‘haven for American boaters’. The men who attacked the husband and wife swam to the boat looking for American dollars. When the couple could not produce American dollars, the men demanded the keys to the boat. The woman either did not understand the request, or could not find the keys, resulting in the mean leaving the yacht the same way they arrived. She then radioed for help.
In most countries, violent crime targeted at foreigners does not occur frequently. Perpetrators’ targets are usually known to them and are not targets of opportunity. However, travelers are known to submit to criminal demands without the use of force. The following advice should help you if you are ever threatened by violent crime.
Here are a few safety tips for international sailing
- Know your surroundings
- Anchor overnight
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- Use traveler’s checks and change them only as you need currency. Countersign traveler’s checks in front of the person who will cash them, not beforehand
- make sure important (and expensive!) navigational equipment is bolted or locked down
- have a plan, and make sure someone else (on land!) knows your plans; where you should be & when. Check in with them at predesignated times. Give them a plan of action should you fail to report back
- Do not sail alone
- Avoid becoming intoxicated
What to Do if You are Threatened
- If confronted by an armed criminal, surrender your valuables incrementally and without hesitation.
- Do not use offensive weapons such as mace or pepper spray. If you miss or the agent is ineffective, you have only antagonized the criminal.
- Give the attacker only what he asks for. In many countries, the criminal may be satisfied with very little.
- Without appearing to do so, study your attacker’s appearance, including his face, so that you can aid in identifying him to the police.
- If you have satisfied the criminal’s demand, back away slowly and leave the area as soon as possible.
- Report the incident to your country’s diplomatic mission and to the local police.
- Request a copy of the police report for insurance purposes.
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One Response to “American Knifed to Death on Yacht in Guatamala”
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What a sad story, my condolences go out to his family.
International travel is getting riskier these days with all the crimes, kidnappings and mayhem. Thanks for posting these safety tips. I think I will be keeping my trips confined to the US for a while.