From: Thomas Johnson
To: Jesse James - OCC Port Officer, Trinidad
Note from YSATT
Just giving a heads up about a situation here that some of you will read , hear or receive reports about.
The newspapers recently reported a piracy attack against fishermen resulting in several ( 6 or 7 ) drownings , theft of engines and a boat
These attacks have taken place in a Southern area miles away from the yachting center and where yachts can not go due to the shallow water. Yachts in transit do not pass, even remotely, anywhere near this area.
The police have recovered the boat and an engine and identified locals from Trinidad as the attackers. No Venezuelans were involved.
This is known and is being treated here as another internal gang related reprisal over a deal that went sour.
Unfortunately once the word piracy is used it creates fear in all of us that use the ocean.
I do expect that after the newspapers have circulated this very horrendous news it will be picked up so I just want to give you the facts before the rumour mill about pirates start again.
Tommy Johnson
Ag President YSATT
Bill Balme
s/v Toodle-oo!