Please select your home edition
Edition
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

Quest incident - the final moments

by Des Ryan on 28 Feb 2011
Quest map SW
What happened on the death yacht the Quest to cause the pirates to kill the hostages may never be known until a trial or an inquiry establishes the facts, but that does not stop claim and counter-claim by those involved on both sides. Some aspects of the case are, however, becoming clearer.

Cruising sailors Jean and Scott Adam, Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle were shot to death earlier this month while negotiations were going on for their release on board US ship the Skerett.

Contrary to earlier reports that the pirates were locked in the brig because they 'weren't serious', a U.S. government official now claims that it was because they 'didn't have the authority to negotiate anything', and that it was too great a risk to allow them to return to the yacht, where they could then 'do harm to the hostages' or sail away with impunity.

The same official said that the trained negotiators continued trying to negotiate via radio with those still aboard the yacht and made an offer, and were told by the pirates aboard the Quest they would sleep on the matter before providing a reply. The Navy also tried to contact Somalis on land who might be able to exert influence over the men holding the Quest.

So far, so good, and at this point there was no escalation of tension, no threats, merely a waiting game until the morning when they would 'provide a reply.'

But the pirates didn't 'sleep on it'. Instead two of their own were shot as well as the hostages. What caused the sudden change? One of the hostages attempting an escape? Some of the pirates becoming edgy and a split developing? Instructions from on land in Somalia? Or is it true that the negotiating pirates had said, 'If we don't return, shoot the hostages.'?

Whatever the case, even though the overwhelming evidence so far is still that Somali pirates want money, not blood, after this incident crossing the Arabian Sea has become no longer a sailing adventure, but a foolhardy act.
.....................

Did you like this news item? If you are not a Sail-World subscriber already, did you know that you can keep up with all the news from the world of the cruising sailor with a weekly news hit? It's totally free, as all our income is from the advertisers.

Once you subscribe, all the non-racing news comes to you in one easy to read news magazine, right to your inbox. AND it's up to date, so you don't have to wait for the end of the month to find out what's going on. You can even subscribe a friend. http://www.sail-world.com/Cruising/international/newsletter_subscribe.cfm!Click_here_now!
Palm Beach Motor YachtsLloyd Stevenson - AC INEOS 1456x180px BOTTOMC-Tech 2020 Battens 2 728x90 BOTTOM

Related Articles

Foiling Sport Congress gathers global players
To shape the Future of Foiling Last week, Malcesine hosted the first-ever Foiling Sport Congress — a by-invitation event organised to foster an in-depth discussion on the current state and future developments of foiling across all disciplines.
Posted today at 5:59 am
Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup Day 3
The best female wave sailors in the world showcase their skills on the global stage After the men had taken centre stage for the opening two days of the 2025 Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup, today was the day for the best female wave sailors in the world to showcase their skills on the global stage.
Posted today at 4:11 am
Transpac Onboard Episode 4
Anything Can Happen at Sea All Transpac 2025 competitors are now at sea and actively racing to Hawaii. We take a look at the Pasha Live Race Tracker and talk about the significant wind hole confronting a contingent of competitors.
Posted today at 3:06 am
Stops & re-starts in first two legs of AEGEAN 600
A tough first night and early morning spent fighting zephyrs getting through the Cyclades After a beautiful breezy start yesterday, but a tough first night and early morning spent fighting zephyrs getting through the Cyclades, at the end of today's daylight the AEGEAN 600 fleet is back on the move.
Posted on 7 Jul
Marblehead to Halifax Race Update
The front-runners are pushing hard toward the finish After nearly 24 hours at sea, the front-runners of the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race are pushing hard toward the finish. Temptation/Oakcliff leads the fleet in both elapsed and corrected time, with Boudicca – Gill Race Team close behind.
Posted on 7 Jul
British Classic Week Day 1
Northerly winds gusting 22 knots make for a brisk start Day one at British Classic Week in Cowes saw fast-paced racing around the cans sponsored by Spirit Yachts for over 50 classic and modern classic yachts.
Posted on 7 Jul
International Moth Worlds Opening Ceremony
137 sailors from 25 nations have gathered, featuring some of the biggest names in sailing After weeks of preparation and an intense lead-up, the 2025 Moth World Championship is ready to get under way. Official racing begins tomorrow, 8 July, on the waters of Lake Garda, with the event hosted by Fraglia Vela Malcesine.
Posted on 7 Jul
iQFOiL Worlds a Aarhus day 2
No racing, but spirits stay high in Aarhus Day 2 of the iQFOiL World Championship in Aarhus tested the patience of sailors, coaches, and the Race Committee alike, as the wind refused to settle across the bay.
Posted on 7 Jul
Foiling Frenzy at Fraglia Vela Malcesine
The Moth Worlds at Lake Garda are something else! The Moth Worlds at Lake Garda are something else! Regardless of where sailors are in their careers, or the reputation they have, everyone wants to be there and have a tilt at the title.
Posted on 7 Jul
Protect Your Skin, Stay Out Longer
Rooster know that long days on the water are what summer is all about At Rooster, we know that long days on the water are what summer is all about. But with the sun high and strong, protecting your skin is just as important as protecting your kit.
Posted on 7 Jul