Vieques, Puerto Rico - Dinghy Security Caution

[SAMPATICO]

Yesterday, Mother's Day, we sailed into Isabel Segunda, on the north coast of Vieques. Dropped hook in the inner harbor and went to shore in our dinghy (six of us on a holiday on my Catamaran). Tied the Dinghy to the town dock with a steel cable. Went to lunch at 12 noon, back at 1:30PM and the dunghy had been stolen. Cable was cut and part still in water. This was done by an organized group of thieves with surveillance as we walked in the town. Talking to some other locals, noted this happens frequently. Really disappointed as we liked this relatively untouched part of the Caribbean. Bottom line: If coming in here, don't leave dinghy unattended, even with that secure cable.

[Palarran]

How thick was the cable? I have one of those that are used for bikes. Wire cutters wouldn't do it but big lock cutters would.

Do you think they fired up the motor and took off? I've also been thinking about putting a padlock through the bracket that would prevent the motor from turning. It would be much more obvious to observers if they where being towed.

[s/v Moondancer]

In St Thomas, 2 weeks ago, we met a cruising couple at the dingy and engine shop replacing a dinghy and engine that had been stolen in Vieques.

It is a pity because Vieques was a nice place to visit.

[smurphny]

I hope you posted this on all the sailing boards because the only leverage we sailors have is in publicizing this stuff. Many of the sailing centers derive a large part of their revenue from sailors and don't want crime to keep us away. It would also probably make sense to write/email local papers, local politicos and post their contact info. so other sailors can let them know we are watching. I don't know what others do but I keep notes in my electronic nav. waypoint screens indicating what places to avoid.

[harryrezz]

Sad. I've never had a problem way down here in the Windwards, but have always used a cable. Guess it might be time to change to stainless chain.
I have a heavy cable on the gas tank and a good lock on the outboard, but that idea about locking the outboard in such a manner that it cannot be steered is a great one!

[Pa La O La]

Well we arrived yesterday (Jan.6, 2012) close to noon in Esperanza, Vieques. Last night we heard a ruckus at a neighbor’s boat and a lot of shouting. The owner was watching a movie onboard when he heard his Boston whaler start up. Then it screamed off into the night. Then we learn the boat next to us was broken into and lost a lot of electronic goodies, cameras and the like. They had been gone all day, had rented a car and been touring the island. Someone was obviously watching ashore and knew they'd have time to go through the boat. Seems they stole two boats before they took the whaler. Both were found floating unattended. This is heart breaking because it is such a great place from looking around. Sad indeed.

[BojanglesIV]

Sad. we've had good experiences in both Esperanza and Isabel Segundo but it looks like the economy there has pretty much tanked and there ain't much for folks to do.

We were in Esperanza just after New Year and the place was very quiet. And now that you can't swim in biobay anymore (due to the shark attack last fall) it will just further hurt the tourism scene.