(Full) Pirate Attack video & Aftermath [Ep. 73]

A Harrowing Passage: A Sailing Couple’s Encounter with Piracy

Sailing Supernova journey from Los Roques, Venezuela, to Grenada was meant to be a challenging but ultimately fulfilling offshore passage. Couple anticipated rough weather, a three-day battle against wind and waves, but with their Venezuelan visas expiring and the promise of reuniting with their beloved cat, Coconut, and their families in Grenada, they felt compelled to depart. Unbeknownst to them, this voyage would transform into a terrifying ordeal, a direct confrontation with piracy that would forever etch itself into their sailing narrative.

The Passage Begins

Sailing Supernova hoisted their sails into a headwind of 23 knots, a direct opposition to their intended course. The initial hours were a relentless struggle as their catamaran pitched and rolled violently. Minor technical issues arose: a persistent fuel tank problem necessitated frequent manual refills from jerry cans, and a stubborn bilge pump refused to switch off automatically. Despite these minor setbacks, the sun eventually broke through the clouds, offering a momentary respite and a flicker of hope for calmer seas. A bizarre incident occurred when they discovered a bat inexplicably perched on their solar panels. Amidst the challenging conditions, they reached a significant milestone: surpassing 8,000 nautical miles since embarking on their extensive voyage.

Calmer Weather and a False Sense of Security

As the first day wore on, the wind began to abate, gradually decreasing to a more manageable 15 knots. This welcomed lull in the weather prompted them to switch to sailing, a much-needed reprieve from the constant drone of the engine. The evening brought a sense of tranquility, a brief but precious pause in the earlier turbulence. Sailing Supernova formulated plans to continue sailing throughout the night, anticipating a smoother remainder of the passage.

The Bilge Pump Failure and Rising Tension

However, their brief period of calm was abruptly shattered by a new problem: the bilge pump on their port side, directly beneath their sleeping quarters, had malfunctioned. Water began to accumulate rapidly, posing a serious threat to the integrity of their vessel. Crew hastily implemented a temporary solution, running a drainage hose directly to the deck. This incident served as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of life at sea and amplified their underlying anxiety.

The Attack

The situation then took a dramatic turn for the worse. The wind suddenly surged to 30 knots, catching them off guard while they were preoccupied with other pressing matters. In the ensuing scramble to reef their sails, they made critical errors. The sail flapped erratically, a batten began to work its way loose, and the jib sheets became entangled in a chaotic mess. It was at this moment that they spotted it: a small, fast boat—a panga—approaching them at high speed. The realization struck them with chilling clarity: they were under attack.

The following moments unfolded in a terrifying blur of adrenaline and fear. The attackers boarded their catamaran. A brief but violent struggle ensued. During the confrontation, the attacker’s firearm was dislodged and fell overboard. They managed to start both engines and accelerate away, creating distance between themselves and the pursuing panga. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, they made the difficult but calculated decision to disable their AIS transponder to avoid being tracked. Their immediate priority became reaching Grenada as swiftly and safely as possible, where they intended to report the incident to the local Coast Guard.

Analysis of the Incident

In the aftermath of the harrowing experience, Sailing Supernova meticulously analyzed their actions, identifying both their missteps and their successful responses.

• What They Did Wrong: Their most significant mistake was their navigational choice. They had sailed too close to Margarita Island and the Testigos Islands, a known high-risk area for piracy. They had chosen this route in hopes of finding slightly more favorable weather conditions, a decision they now deeply regretted. They also acknowledged that their reaction to the rapidly escalating situation with the sails was not as swift as it should have been, potentially exacerbating the danger.
• What They Did Right: Fortunately, they had recently engaged in discussions about emergency protocols, including the procedures for activating the engines and taking control of the helm. This pre-emptive planning allowed them to react with relative speed and efficiency when the attack occurred. Their previous experience of being followed by a suspicious vessel off the coast of Nicaragua also proved invaluable, allowing them to draw on past experience.
• The Role of Luck: In a strange and unexpected twist, the earlier bilge pump malfunction may have inadvertently played a role in mitigating the outcome. Because the floorboards were removed on the port side to address the pump issue, it inadvertently positioned one of them in a location that enabled a quicker response to the attack.

Addressing Common Questions

In the days following the incident, Sailing Supernova received a barrage of questions from their viewers and supporters.

• Why No Mayday Call? Crew opted against using the radio due to concerns that it could alert other potential attackers within range. Instead, they used their Starlink satellite internet connection and their mobile phones to contact a friend who had already arrived in Grenada, who then alerted the Coast Guard. They then contacted the Coast Guard directly. This decision was later validated by the Coast Guard themselves.
• Why Wasn’t the Approaching Boat Seen on Radar? Small vessels in rough seas, particularly in 2-3 meter waves, are often difficult for radar systems to detect. Additionally, they had adjusted their radar settings to prioritize the detection of squalls and inclement weather, thus reducing its sensitivity to smaller vessels.
• Why No Gun? The complexities of international travel with firearms are well-known. They carry alternative self-defense measures, including spear guns and wasp spray.
• What Happened to the Attacker’s Gun? It fell overboard during the physical confrontation.
• Why Was One Person Sleeping? They adhere to a 12-hour watch system during long passages to ensure that both crew members get adequate rest.
• Why Was One Person Inside? It was their turn to be on watch, and they were inside preparing tea and checking on the ongoing bilge pump issue—a routine part of their watch duties.
• Injuries Sustained: One of them sustained a bruised arm and a back injury resulting from a fall during the incident. The other suffered a minor bloody nose.
• Was the Incident Reported? Yes, the attack was immediately reported to the Grenada Coast Guard, their respective consulates, and the Caribbean safety net for cruisers.
• Is Venezuela Safe? They emphasized that Venezuela, like many countries, has areas with varying degrees of safety. Los Roques, where they had spent two weeks prior to the passage, is generally considered a safe and welcoming destination. The area where the attack occurred, near Margarita and Testigos Islands, is known to carry a higher risk.

Conclusion

This terrifying ordeal served as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of life at sea and underscored the importance of meticulous planning, thorough risk assessment, and unyielding vigilance. They learned a harsh but valuable lesson about the perils of complacency and the critical need for constant preparedness. Sailing Supernova expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support they received from their friends, family, and online community. They stressed that their experience should not discourage anyone from visiting Los Roques, a truly remarkable place populated by warm and welcoming people. It is essential to understand that this incident took place far from Los Roques, in a separate region known to be more dangerous. Sailing Supernova are now focused on recovery, both physical and emotional, and on returning to the joys of sailing, albeit with a heightened sense of caution. They are also deeply grateful for the unwavering support of their family and the comforting presence of their cat, Coconut, during this trying time. Sailing Supernova aim to regain a sense of normalcy and continue sharing their adventures with their audience.