Did you read this? Even if it was legal per international treaties (and that is a subject of some debate), it was a horrible abuse of power and egregious violation of good will between two nominally friendly countries. I fully respect the rights of the BVI to enforce their borders and I feel for their citizens. However I can't excuse the actions of their officials being so overtly hostile to mariners. Until the crew and guests of S/V Blue Skies have their fines returned, are compensated for their time in confinement, and get a formal apology, I will consider the waters of the BVI to be as safe and friendly of a cruising ground as the Gulf of Guinea. Good yachtsmen have long memories.

https://www.traveltalkonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/240275/bvi-impounding-boats.html#Post240275