Venezuela - Robbery of Anchored Vessels off Puerto la Cruz - Update

Further to the Club’s news article of 6 July 2011, Club Correspondent Venepandi, Caracas, have advised of a recent noticeable increase in the number of anchored vessels being subject to acts of robbery within the designated anchorage areas off Puerto La Cruz, Port of Jose and Guanta Bay.

The remote locations of these anchorages are ideal for the undertaking of such attacks which predominantly occur during the hours of darkness utilising small craft with the robbers typically gaining access to the vessel’s main deck via the anchor chain.

Reportedly the robbers are well armed, being equipped with larger calibre firearms and grenades, and have a predisposition to committing violent acts once on-board against anyone when they are challenged.

Vessels are encouraged to follow Venepandi’s pervious precautionary measures in the Club’s news article of 6 July 2011 and the recommendations contained in the IMO's Guidance to shipowners and ship operators, shipmasters and crews on preventing and suppressing acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships MSC.1/Circ.1334.

Members requiring further information should contact the Loss Prevention department.