Carribean Ports- Refugees Comandeering your boat

[ScrimpAndSail]

Americans would never be allowed into Cuban waters. But what about Haiti And the Dominican Republic. Are there areas/islands in the carribean that you should avoid for worry of hijack or piracy?

[Chuteman]

S&S:
Remembered this incident...........
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/doina/R2007-01-31-1

Haiti is well known for SOME citizens attempting illegal entry into other countries via the sea plus SOME citizens using crime as their means of support. It is the poorest country in the western hemisphere.

When sailing Belize, heard stories of pirates from the south (Honduras if I remember correctly) hitting local fishing boats taking everything & throwing the crews overboard.

Noonsite does a pretty good job of reporting, tracking & digging into incidents.
http://www.noonsite.com/General/Piracy

There have also been incidents in southern Leewards & Windwards + beyond but hard to predict sometimes

[camaraderie]

Also check out the Caribbean safety and security net. http://www.safetyandsecuritynet.com/
Trouble spots come and go. Venezuela & its' offshore islands is tough right now as well.
Parts of the DR like Samana have a bad reputation. Petty theft can be a problem in Luperon but it is generally safe. Jamaica and Haiti are seldom visited by yachts due to povery and associated crime. St Vincent had some problems on the main island last year but the Grenadines and outlying islands are safe. Parts of Trinidad are not safe, but Chaguramas where boaters go has been safe after some incidents last year.
Crime in the Caribe is generally petty with only occasional violence and staying in touch on the SSB with the security net and other boaters can help keep you away from the hot spots of the moment.True hijacks and piracy are really rare.

[speciald]

Cubans and Haitians more frequently come in thru Mexico, easier, cheaper, and safer and no one is sending them back!!

[Rockter]

Piracy is unknown in Loch Ness.

Come here to Scotland.

It's cooler, but you can't have everything.

The sun does not beat the heck out of your teak decks, the beer is good, and Loch Ness in the mist is worth a visit, or two, or three....

[camaraderie]

Aye..the pirates in auld Scotland be land based! (g)

[tdw]

Originally Posted by camaraderie

Aye..the pirates in auld Scotland be land based! (g)

The food will kill you faster than any pirate.

Sorry Rockter, I really do love Scotland but the thought of a deep fried mars bar still makes me want to puke.

[TSteele65]

Originally Posted by tdw

The food will kill you faster than any pirate.

Sorry Rockter, I really do love Scotland but the thought of a deep fried mars bar still makes me want to puke.

You'd LOVE haggis, then.

[cockeyedbob]

A bit off thread perhaps, but ya gotta wonder how much time the average American spends in search of sumthin' to worry 'bout ...

[sailhog]

Originally Posted by ScrimpAndSail

Americans would never be allowed into Cuban waters. But what about Haiti And the Dominican Republic. Are there areas/islands in the carribean that you should avoid for worry of hijack or piracy?

When someone says "Land of Milk and Honey," I think: Haiti. It's also a great cruising ground. It's so nice and so safe and wonderful in every way, we send our kids to school there. Don't believe all the piracy reports. That's just a bunch of propaganda being put out there by people from Peoria, Illinois who are angry at Haiti for taking away their tourist dollars.