Security Concerns Cruising W Caribbean

[Professional]

So, I'm planning on cruising the western Caribbean from Colombia to Belize and wanted to get some advice from those with knowledge/experience in that region. I'm mostly concerned about crime and security issues. Advice on areas to avoid, etc.

I also hear that supposedly the area is heavily patrolled by the coast guard? If so that would certainly ease our security concerns, but any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[belizesailor]

There are two primary areas where security is a concern now. A summary of each below.

N Honduran Coast. This area has been problematic for years and has only gotten worse. The area around Punta Sal is especially problematic with vessels being boarded and robbed while underway off the coast. Puerto Cortez has also had active problems recently. My suggestion for this area is to give it a very wide berth...like not visible from shore based on mast height. One way to do this is to sail between Belize and the Bay Island and not between the Bay Islands and the Rio Dulce (this route takes you close to Punta Sal).

Nicaraguan Banks. In the past year there have been a few acts of well organized piracy in the NE corner of these banks. Full on piracy including mother ships and lots of armed men in pangas. The nearby Nicaraguan coast should also be avoided.

These are the most significant security issue areas. There are occasional/periodic issues in some other areas too.

See CSSN (Caribbean Saftey & Security Network) as well as NoonSite for more current, and historic, details.

Re USCG patrols. They are most active around San Andreas and Providencia. Colombian islands on the Nicaraguan Banks. Both the Colombian CG and USCG patrol this area. However, the Nica Banks are a very large area so I would not count on being boarded or assisted. Though both have occurred there.

Ive seen USCG Cutters, and drug interdiction forces, throughout the W Carib from Belize to Panama. The full on Men in Black in a big high tech weaponized RIB even dropped my home on the Rio Dulce once! It was a friendly visit. But Ive never been boarded...only a couple of times have local authorities pulled along side to ask questions and check paperwork.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Professional.

➥ https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/