Pirates in military fatigues strike in North West District

After a lull in piracy attacks here, the sea bandits have returned, this time attacking a vessel in the North West District, while brandishing guns and dressed in military fatigues.

Police said in a statement that they are investigating the attack on a thirty- year-old  boat owner and captain of Kumaka Water Front and his three -man crew which occurred between Sunday and Monday.

According to information received, the four man crew would normally use the vessel to go fishing in different locations and on Saturday about 22:00 hrs the crew departed Morwhanna Village for the Waini Mouth, North West District to go fishing.

On Sunday about 07:00 hours the crew was awakened by the sound of men onboard the vessel, after which they saw five men, two of whom were armed with long guns, and all clad in what appeared to be military uniforms and speaking a foreign language.

The men took control of the vessel and forced the crew to the bow where they remained for about 24 hours.The suspects also brought their belongings onboard from the wooden boat they tied to the captured vessel.

Subsequently, while in control of the said vessel the suspects spotted other boats in the area and all left in pursuit of them, but relieved the crew of one (1) Plum Cellphone without simcard valued $16,000 Guyana currency before doing so.  They also ordered the crew not to move.

However, shortly after the suspects disembarked the vessel and left in the small boat, the owner started the vessel and proceeded to the open ocean to avoid being followed by the pirates. On Tuesday about 05:40 hours, the captain and his crew went to the Mabaruma Police Station and made a report and handed over the suspects’ belongings to the police. Investigations are ongoing.