Mike Harker Savagely Beaten In Carribean

[jackiepitts]

This is a very sad thing....
Latitude 38 - 'Lectronic Latitude

[David M]

That's horrible. I just don't understand why some humans do this to others. I wish Mike all the best and hope he gets better quickly.

[Panamajames]

Latitude 38 - 'Lectronic Latitude

Moderator note: James, I have merged your thread because it is about the same exact subject as the first post here. No problem.

[Tellie]

The damage is done. If anything is to be learned from the Somali pirates is that catching these thugs quickly and comng down hard on them is the only answer to nip this crap in the bud.

[RayW]

Makes me want to have some type of alarm on the cockpit door. Nothing expensive but just to make a hell of a lot of noise. Would give a second or two warning if they still kept coming.

[DannySt]

So sad...

[Captain Bill]

Hopefully This won't degenerate into a gun versus no gun arguement, but in this case they dragged him out of bed while still asleep. No matter what form of self defence he chose to use they got the drop on him this time. It makes a good arguement for mats with large tacks in them lain around the deck.

[DannySt]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

Hopefully This won't degenerate into a gun versus no gun arguement...

Well, the "dog on board" versus "no dog on board" could sure make a difference on someone getting the drop on you.

[GordMay]

Sorry to hear it.
➥ Mike Harker - H-TV Television & Video Productions - Videoproduktionen, TV-Produktionen, Fernsehproduktionen, Fotos, Photos, Drachenfliegen, Segler, Weltumsegler etc.

[Palarran]

I'm really nervous about being boarded like this. I lock my cockpit door at night but there are 10 hatches open. I've been trying to figure out how to put strong bars across them to prevent access to the cabin but haven't come up with a design yet. This story is going to renew my efforts.

[shadow]

That really does suck and I wish him the very best with a very speedy recovery, and I really hope that they apprehend the idiots that did this and make a severe example of them!! As for the boarding, I think that is why I have altered my search for our yacht to NOT be easily accessible from the water. Meaning, at first we were thinking of Cats and scoop transoms but they are easy access as they are literally stairs from the water.

I've now looked at yachts that are so difficult to swim up to or even get on board with a dinghy that with all of their struggling, it will wake anyone onboard...

Anyway, our prayers are with this tough fine man!!

[John A]

Very Tragic news!!

Has anyone heard where on the island of Martinique this occurred?

[Fishman_Tx]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

Hopefully This won't degenerate into a gun versus no gun arguement, but in this case they dragged him out of bed while still asleep. No matter what form of self defence he chose to use they got the drop on him this time. It makes a good arguement for mats with large tacks in them lain around the deck.

All the best to Mike for a speedy recovery.

Yes, they did get the drop on him and tack mats may have helped if there was no moon. As for the gun argument, I'll keep quiet as I think this kind of incident speaks for itself. True, in this case it probably wouldn't have mattered. But what about next time?

"I've said m'piece and counted to three....." Oh Brother Where Art Thou

[Brent Swain]

I'm amazed how many cruisers either don't bother to lock their hatches at night , or don't have adequately lockable hatches. Aluminium hatches lockable from inside and ports too small for anyone to get thru, make such an invasion a several hour project with some serious tools. I have a long 3/8th ss rod loop on wire rope, which lets me lock my hatches slightly ajar , enough to let air in but not thieves. A wheelhouse with a small opening port and vents lets you take a look around the decks without sticking your head out, and lets you put a fishing spear thru their testicles without sticking your head out.

[Pelagic]

It is great that Mike is on the mend and my very best wishes.

I hope he can overcome what truly must have been a frightening and painful experience so as to not let those ba$$tards intimidate his chosen lifestyle.

That would be the biggest crime of all!