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GnarlyMon · 26-03-2011, 08:33

Just got though reading the posts of the attack on Mike Harker from last year on St. Maarten. Very sad. I hope he has recovered. Anyway, we are planning a passage from FL to Abacos and Exuma next Febraury. Just curious, what is the situation with regards to crime for cruisers in the Bahamas?

Lowcountry · 26-03-2011, 08:42

I spent five months in the Bahamas in 09. Went from West End through the Abacos, down Eleuthera, through the Exumas to George Town and then back up again. Never heard mention of any crime of any kind during my travels there. That isn't to say that it doesn't happen, and that isn't to say that you shouldn't be cautious while you're there. I'm just saying that it is unusual to hear of crime against boaters there. Stay on the beaten path and keep your eyes open and you will be fine.

Cormorant · 26-03-2011, 08:44

That question was discussed a bit in this recent thread:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...mas-56080.html

s/v 'Faith' · 26-03-2011, 08:44

You are much safer in the Bahamas then you are in most any city in the US.

pjop · 26-03-2011, 08:45

Not from personal knowledge but from a trustworthy sailor who has recently returned, burglary (not robbery) can be a problem in some places. Secure your gear and valuables both above and below decks. My friend was boarded twice and due to a cheap motion dector system was able to scare him off by just turning on the deck lights.

Lowcountry · 26-03-2011, 08:53

pjop, do you recall where your friend was anchored the times that intruders boarded his vessel?

nautical62 · 26-03-2011, 10:33

I feel there is much less risk of crime cruising in the Bahamas than in the U.S. The one place I hear theft is problematic is Nassau, especially dinks and outboards.

captainKJ · 26-03-2011, 11:08

anchors have been stolen while boats were at anchor in nassau allowing them to float free, 150 megyacht I was on had its 32 foot tender stolen in the exumas in 08,, crime is everywere but you are still safer in the bahamas them most cities,,, just keep things locked and lift you tender every night or they could cut the painter,,, in the year 2000 there was 1 murder n abaco,,, first in MANY MANY MANY years,,, it was an outsider,,, have cruised for the last 11 years in the bahamas,,,,NEVER had a problem,,, just watch nassau,,, it can get ruff in places but if you stay were the tourist go you will be safe,,,take a taxi at night if going far,,, they do have guardian angles in nassau,,

Sea Yawl Later · 26-03-2011, 11:46

We were in the Exumas from January until this week and will return after a 2 week stay in the Turks and Caicos. We have never felt the least bit uncomfortable. We do not stay in Nassau much at all but I can see where the crime could be a problem there. We have stay extensively between Staniel and GT and everywhere inbetween and you could not find more gracious people. Most of these small islands depend on the cruisers and I have a feeling they would not let anyone mess with that relationship. I feel much more vunerable at my home in the States then here.

RTB · 26-03-2011, 11:54

SYL, I've been following your blog, along with the rest of the Texas Navy. You guys rock!

Sea Yawl Later · 26-03-2011, 12:56

We were literally "rocking" down the Thorny Path a couple of days ago. Thanks for responding. It is fun to hear from folks!

Linda
Sea Yawl Later!!

foamcore · 26-03-2011, 14:12

A friend of mine had an outboard pinched from the dink in Georgetown last week.

clifford sloan · 26-03-2011, 14:31

The closer you get to crawfish season the more dinks and motors begin to vanish into the night. This is an annual occurance and shouldn't be regarded as a crime spree. Failure to kepp your "stuff" secure is like an open invitation anywhere.
Clif