Pirates strike in the Mediterranean - yacht still missing
by Sail-World Cruising round-up on 3 Mar 2014
Armageddon- very noticeable because of its shape and red sail (though you’d remove that wouldn’t you?) SW
Have you seen this hijacked yacht? Just because you don't sail in Somali or Nigerian waters, don't think you are safe from pirates. Just last month armed pirates attacked a 17m motor-sailer yacht in gentle Corsica, hijacking it and setting the owners and crew adrift in their life boat.
While the southern part of Caribbean waters is known to be a security area, an open piracy attack in the well-sailed waters of the Med comes as something of a shock to those who have had marvellous Mediterranean sailing holidays.
The French police were reportedly hunting for the four armed and masked pirates.
According to Europe Radio 1, no one was hurt, but the pirates snuck up on the yacht, named Armageddon, in a motor boat, Europe. The yacht had been sailing near the Îlots des Moines, north of Bonifacio, when they were taken hostage.
After holding the terrified trio captive for three hours in a cabin, the pirates loaded then them into one of the yacht’s life boats and set them adrift in the Mediterranean Sea. They eventually washed ashore near the tiny village of Campomoro, which is north of where they were attacked, at around midnight.
Authorities affirmed that this type of attack was rare, but it will no doubt leave a few boat owners concerned about sailing in an area that is popular with private yachts and pleasure cruise boats.
In the meantime, just for Mediterranean-based readers, keep a lookout for the yacht above. The hijacked vessel can only travel a slow 8 knots. It is also highly noticeable because of its modern shape, brushed raw aluminum hull, and its red main sail. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of this vessel, please contact francois.tregouet@glyachting.com or call +33 (0)2.31.69.03.92.
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