Update on Livingston, Rio Dulce

[BjarneK]

Just an update that might be of interest to other sailors entering the Rio Dulce at Livingston.

We crossed the bar at the entrance on November 19 following the waypoints given in Freya Rauscher's cruising guide. We crossed at about 11:30 am local time following a 9 cm low water at 7:24 am rising to 38 cm at 2:35 pm. The tide data are from http://tide-forecast.com. So I figure that we had a water level of about 25 cm. The shallowest depth we saw was around 1.9 meters, so not too bad at all.

Coming from Mexico, we used Raul's office to check in. That was one of the best check in experiences we have had anywhere. So I can definitely recommend Raul.

And then the bad news: due to spending some time shopping in Livingston, we decided to stay there at anchor over night. Our outboard was locked to our boat using a lock through the handles of the hand screws to attach it to the dinghy transom. During the night, thieves stole the outboard, but the lock was intact. They must have cut the hand screws which I guess isn't too hard. We did not hear anything.

So if you plan on staying the night in Livingston, bring your outboard inside or use big chains and locks to secure it really well outside. Or even better yet, leave and spend your money elsewhere. That is what we will do when checking out.

We have been in touch with Raul about the outboard and he is clearly very unhappy, but I don't expect it to ever show up again.

[belizesailor]

Unfortunate, but yes Livingston has occassional security problems and is not the best option for overnight anchorage. Its best to get up stream before dark and drop the hook in a popular anchorage or pull into a marina.

Dinghy motor theft is a common problem on the Rio...so lock it well or lose it.

Also, please report this on CSSN so all benefit.


https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/zoo...sessment-tool/

Last dinghy motor theft reported in Livingston was Nov 15, 2019....just before yours.