The total number of reported yacht-related offences in the Caribbean has increased since the low point in 2020. Violent crime has also increased, including cases of piracy and suspected activities. This is according to the annual report published by CSSN.
The number of incidents rose from 72 to 102, an increase of 42%. Following the pandemic low in 2020, there was also an increase in violent crime in 2021. Attempted robbery (Guadeloupe), assault (Mexico) and piracy (Venezuela) together with four incidents related to piracy off the coast (Nicaragua - 3) and (Honduras) make a total of seven.
Violent incidents and piracy on the rise, but theft still dominates
The increase from year to year was not unexpected. But as dinghy security has improved, thieves have also improved their tools and methods. "As the Covid situation gradually eased, entry restrictions were eased and a more typical dynamic re-emerged - which also led to an increase in crimes against yachts in the Caribbean," says Kim White of CSSN.
The reported incidents were also again spread more widely across the region, with St Martin (22 cases), Martinique (15), Grenada (13) and Panama (8) accounting for more than half of the total reports. St Martin topped the list with 17 incidents (none violent), most of which were thefts in and around Marigot Bay.
Trend set to continue in 2022
Even in 2022, this trend does not seem to be slowing down. One example of this is the island of St Lucia. Before coronavirus, the security situation with regard to piracy had also just improved significantly here, as YACHT was able to confirm during a visit in 2020. But this year, St Lucia became a hotspot for piracy against charter crews. The Caribbean island has always been a little rougher in some areas due to the great poverty of the population, but the increase in piracy cases in recent months is worrying. In addition to robberies, there have also been armed attacks.
2021 and 2022 in comparison:
Crews departing from Martinique and heading south to the Grenadines are advised to ask the base managers of the charter companies for the latest information before stopping in St Lucia and to take a look at the Caribbean Safety and Security Net, which collects all incidents in the area and describes them in detail on the website. In addition, the companionway hatch and large windows should remain closed at night and the dinghy and outboard motor should be hauled up and connected at night. However, the latter is recommended throughout the Caribbean.
The organisation expressly asks people to report any incidents they have experienced:
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