St Lucia Boat Boarded and Robbed Twice

We had a charter booked Oct 25 to Nov 2 2017 in BVI, DYC kindly re-booked the charter out of Martinique.

We spend two nights in Rodney Bay and moved to Marigot Bay 10-29-2017. While we were sleeping our Catana 47 with a crew of 4 was boarded after 1:00am. We were warned to put valuables out of sight and lock dinghy- but no mention of having to worry about repelling boarders....three out of 4 wallets were rifled, all cash stolen, computers, i-phones, and credit cards left untouched.

We reported to the police who seemed concerned and took action.
Night of 10-30-2017- while we went to local Creole Festival- we left boat completely locked. It was hit again.

Two nights in a row in Marigot Bay.

We loved the island, the people (the folks we met) were kind, decent, and welcoming.

I will not be going back.

JAM
Annapolis, Md

We were in St Lucia a few years ago at a resort. Rented a car and was rear ended by a mini bus. We were hassled at the police station after filling out paperwork for the accident. Locals trying to shake us down for cash for "guarding your car". I wonder if these people ever think about the long term effects of hassling tourists.

Where did you stay in Marigot bay? When we were there a year ago in July we stayed on the dock at Capella resort. Security seemed good there. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. And the rate was really good as well.

It is unfortunate that crime is becoming more of a problem there.

We booked a Moorings charter last year to St. Lucia for Jun 2018 just to try something different. We made the decision today to cancel and return to BVI for our Jun trip. The thought of sleeping with one eye open and being concerned for the safety of our family both day and night doesn't sound like the way we want to spend our time. We are looking forward to enjoying ourselves and putting our money towards the rebuild of the BVI's instead of in the pockets of criminals. Thank you all for keeping us informed. Let the countdown begin.

Please make sure you report this incident on CSSN:
https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/

It helps everyone to know what is going on in Marigot Bay, St. Lucia.

Hi, we were guided in by one of the "boat boys" and put on a mooring on the north/east side of the bay halfway in Chateau Mayeaux was dead ahead, Doolittle's across the narrow bay off our port stern, the marina about 75-100 yards ahead on the north/east side.

Our crew liked St. Lucia. Pigeon Island and Ft. Rodney are worth the visit.

The point, and the reason I am posting under BVIs, is that many displaced BVI charterers will wind up in Martinique and St. Lucia. The lay of the land is different from BVIs. This is blue water and big winds. I noted depth below the keel at 12,000 feet on the charts (from memory). There are fewer resources to aide you if you get into trouble.

The Moorings base St. Lucia was impressive- behind a heavily guarded marina complex run by IGY.

If you are used to BVIs- by all means- go on down to Martinique, or even St. Lucia. I would take the boat and cruise the south and west coast of Martinique and skip St. Lucia except for maybe checking out the really nice national park at Pigeon Island/Ft. Rodney. Martinique coastal cruising is really fun, scenic, and you see lots of families at the anchorages. No need to mess around clearing in and out of customs etc- just do Martinique.....

Actually it is absolutely essential to clear in and out of Martinique! Failing to do so has the usual penalties of losing your vessel or going to jail.

Never forget or avoid checking in and out of at ANY French island.

I think he was saying there's no need to check in and out if you simply stay in Martinique the whole trip.

And one should always check in and out when required, regardless of where they are.