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Pirates off the coast of key west???

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77Gypsy
Captain

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USA
356 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/09/2003 : 16:39:04

i saw this article on the Tampa tribune sports section

http://sports.tbo.com/sports/MGA61ZPHHFD.html

Steven de Filippis
78 C25 SR/FK - Gypsy

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2003 : 17:02:24

'Scary ... thanks for the link Steven.

Buzz Maring
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>
~~Freya~~
C-25 SK/SR #68

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Clay
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2003 : 21:00:58

That's terrifying...I just bought the charts Tuesday for a Memorial day trip from Key west to the Dry Tortugas. Growing up in South Florida, I've always been aware of the dangers of modern day "pirates" but that article put lump in my throat.

How can you protect yourself? Has anyone heard how the Coast Guard suggests you deal with these situations, other than maybe a grenade launcher.

Clay
SAVANNAH

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pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2003 : 21:49:44

Get a Mossberg Mariner 12 gauge and a Mac 10.

Actually, I think he did the right thing by calling the Coast Guard. It wouldn't take long for a coast guard plane to be on scene and monitoring the situation. The pirates would have been caught.

It would be hard to think rationally in that situation. I'm not sure what I would do.

Pretty scary stuff.

pw

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2003 : 22:28:27

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>It would be hard to think rationally in that situation. I'm not sure what I would do.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

I would serve the pirates cocktails....Molotov cocktails! <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>

<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>Don Lucier<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2d904b3127cce9f7cd9ffdf1d0000003010" border=0>
North Star SR/FK

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 05/10/2003 : 08:58:56

Folks,

Does anyone know how many armed sailors can be stuffed below on a Catalina 30 for a trip through that area? Perhaps it's only necessary to tote one bazooka...a waterline shot should reduce the incidents of piracy and feed the sharks as well.

I mentioned last year that Capt. Pete, on his way to French Polynesia, ran afoul of piracy near Venezuela and thoughy better of continuing on. If they ran into occasional armed resistance, they might seek other enterprizes.

Val on Calista # 3936

Val Bisagni]<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df11b3127cce94709c5ff2e90000000010" border=0>

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tom
1st Mate

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USA
52 Posts

Response Posted - 05/11/2003 : 15:31:17

After reading that article I thought how does one protect themselves on a cruise like that. At this point I am only a local sailor but one day who knows? Is it legal to have a high powered rifle and shot gun on board?

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77Gypsy
Captain

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USA
356 Posts

Response Posted - 05/12/2003 : 16:48:38

it is legal to be armed on board in inernational waters. however you needto check with the countries who's ports you would be calling. i know some places take them and give them back to you when you depart.

Steve
78 C25 SR/FK - Gypsy

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SailOnSailor
Deckhand

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6 Posts

Response Posted - 05/17/2003 : 19:26:25

It is scary out there... While crewing from Key West to St. Pete in 1999, I was at the wheel of a Moorings 50 on the 2am watch when lights started appearing in the dark cold night all around us. I checked and re-checked the GPS as well as the compass, but the lights just got brighter with no land for miles. I yelled for the crew to get up and check it out. The skipper had me hold the course as four shrimpers formed a square around us for about 10 minutes. They never made any attempts to board us or even show their faces. We assumed as they finally moved off to sea, they had simply determined we were only four guys out sailing with nothing of value (ganja?)worth taking.

Like the cop used to say: "Let's be careful out there." <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

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arlingva
Navigator

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USA
116 Posts

Response Posted - 05/18/2003 : 22:41:47

In 1976 spent the summer cruising the Bahamas. Met a couple of guys in the Abacos. When we returned home. Found out they had been killed, stuffed in sailbags and discovered weeks later with the name of their boat painted over. You can not be to careful. If somebody comes close, get on the radio. If you own a weapon, know how to use it, and are traveling in that part of the world; carry it. Don't respond to any distress calls of doubtful orgin alone. You can not be to careful.

Bill Swanson, C-250WK, #614

Bill Swanson
C250WK #614

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