Is there still a concern of being hijacked by pirates at sea?

Question

I would like to eventually get a sail boat and sail for a couple months at a time in the tropics. Am I foolish to not be worried about modern day pirates possibly bothering me??

Answer 1

The stories of piracy are pretty over-blown. We, and our friends who have cruised the Caribbean (sometimes in countries where the State Dept doesn't approve you going), have only heard of one instance of boarding and robbery -- and nothing about piracy. We've cruised for seven years, debated bringing guns on board, decided not to, and never needed to have them.

One fellow we met a year ago was involved in a serious set-to with pirates, but that was off the coast of Yemen, a looong way from the Caribbean, where most Americans cruise.

We've considered the situation thoroughly, and have decided that there's little to worry about. If you do go, talk to other cruisers, listen to the radio nets, and keep your ears open. You'll be fine -- go cruising and don't let worries about things like piracy hold you back.

Answer 2

You are foolish if you go to sea without knowing the dangers of a given area.

You can sail the BVI drunk and worry free.

Same with some South Pacific Islands.

But if you carelessly sail the waters off of Somalia, Thailand, Brazil and Africa. May I suggest that you update your will before hoisting the main.

Answer 3

Yes there are still pirates at sea, and they are well equiped and ruthless. Hot spots are S.E Asia, Africa, the Med and even the Carib. but they can pop up everywhere. To protect yourself never travel alone, always with a group of boats. Keep some protection onboard and have good radios and electronics.

Answer 4

Of late, in the news, the pirates gun for the luxury liners. Simply put, people have money (cash) and jewelry that can be hawked and pawned, while a guy on a yacht generally has 1 wallet and 1 watch. Unless they are just defending territory, I'd say you'd have little to worry about.

Answer 5

Modern day pirates do exist. In fact I saw a story on the news about that not long ago. I dont know what the odds of encountering them would be. Drug smugglers are out there too who could hijack your boat.

Answer 6

Yes. There is no law at sea beyond a certain distance from any country's shores and there are very bad people out there who will rob you and kill you for your boat, whatever they might want on it or to sell it for scrap. They are pirates in every sense of the word and you should be very aware of them if you plan to sail alone and without an automatic weapon aboard to protect yourself. I'd say get to some third-world cesspool in Africa, go ashore and buy yourself an AK-47 with plenty o' magazines and ammo. If you never need it, consider it insurance on which you never had to collect. If you do need it, you'll be thanking God you had it. Better to die in a fight than to be killed begging for your life, eh?

Answer 7

Modern day pirates at sea can rob you quite easily, most especially in international waters where no country has jurisdiction. Smaller boats are at a much greater risk. A bigger crew can be helpful in preventing piracy. Don't do it alone!

Answer 8

Yes there are still pirates out there. I suggest taking some fire arms with you for protection. You don't need a gun license to use them in international waters. their are no laws on what types of weapons or guns that you can and can't use and carry in international waters. You may have to hand them to customs as you enter a port but you should be able to pick them up when you are leaving

Answer 9

If by tropics, you mean the carribean, you'll probably be fine... just stay away from the coast of Africa and some south pacific locals... there definately are still "pirates" around... better be packin'...

Answer 10

South East Asia. There are lot there.