Is piracy an imagined concern?

[cdocsail]

Is there any concern over piracy in the Caribbean or med? Is there a blog/forum/web site where these events might be documented?

Not being a doomsayer, but historically, the Aegean was a hotspot for pirates as they raided trade from the Levant. Same goes for the Caribbean in the days of Blackbeard. Although we consider ourselves 'civilized' now, the gap between the haves and the have nots is ever widening. And just look at the prices of basic staples in St. Thomas - double what they are in Fla.

Today the low hanging fruit is the naive cruiser out to enjoy a holiday. Certainly this is an argument that favors flotilla sailing - safety in numbers. But I am ignorant of the risks and do not want to remain so.

[mvweebles]

https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/

[FlyingScot]

Definitely a concern. Anyone who tells you otherwise isn't paying attention. But like any risk, it needs to be managed. Life is full of risks.

[donradcliffe]

https://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-repor...ive-piracy-map

Flotillas are no real protection against piracy unless at least one of the flotilla is armed. However, given the low levels of piracy to day and the downside of weapons when you enter other countries, most cruisers accept the risks.

[Madehn]

Was victim of an armed boarding in Panama in early part of 2023. We were at anchor not at sea so this might be attempted robbery and assault versus piracy depending on your definition. Bad deal all round. We fought off two assailants and were just absolutely lucky that their gun misfired or would not be here to tell the tale. No site did a s$$T job of reporting on it Made major security changes to my boat when I returned to states.
1) count on no help from anyone including local authorities
2) have a means of denying entry to your boat
3) have some form of defensive capability (don’t need this to degenerate into a gun thread)
4) don’t go anywhere close to an area with a shady reputation even if reports are older.
5 don’t think it won’t happen to me.

I will try to answer specific questions - not willing to do debates etc. if anyone is interested.

[Sailingallday]

Madehn - if you feel comfortable telling the story of what happened, I’m sure many on hear would appreciate hearing it

[robert sailor]

There are known areas that are definitely on the shady side, avoid those areas and use some common sense. There is no reason you can’t cruise the Caribbean safely for the coming years without the constant worry of being robbed etc. there is plenty of information out there, keep informed and enjoy yourself.