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17 May 2009 - Simpson Bay Bridge (Sint Maarten) Closing in June
From Monday June 1, 2009 to Sunday June 14, 2009 the bridge will be closed for maritime traffic. Depending on the progress in the execution of the repair work during these two first weeks the bridge will open one day per week at 06:00 o’clock AM permitting vessels to depart and to enter the Lagoon.
When the repair work is being done underneath the bridge deck the bridge will not open for vessels and no maritime traffic will be allowed to pass under the bridge deck as the passage will be blocked by a pontoon. All maritime traffic will have to make use of the passage under the bridge at the Coastguard/Police Station side of the channel.
Work on the topside of the bridge will be done 15-30 June, and will mean traffic delays. After June 30, 2009 the bridge will continue to open daily on the regular opening hours.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation will keep the maritime sector as well as the general public informed about the bridge opening times on a weekly base or as soon as there is any change in the work schedule. All facility holders, docks, piers and marinas will receive the information by fax or by e-mail or will be visited by employees of SLAC.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority advises the captains of all vessels to decide whether their vessel will stay in the lagoon or outside in the Simpson Bay during the repair time that the bridge cannot open. Those vessels that can transit the Sandy Ground Bridge will be able to continue to do so during the regular bridge opening times of the French side bridge.
15 May 2009 - Serious Assault & Robbery in Prince Rupert Bay, Dominica
In the early hours of 14 May, a yacht anchored close to the customs dock near the Picard River was boarded by three swimmers, armed with a gun, a machete and a knife. These men tied the 2-person crew with duct tape, gagged and beat them, and proceeded to ransack the boat in a search for cash and valuables, destroying the VHF radio in the process. The men then stole the yacht’s dinghy as transportation to shore; the police later retrieved the dinghy.
The crew freed themselves and motored to the nearest yacht for help. The police and the coast guard responded within 20 minutes. As of 18 May, there are two suspects in police custody and more to follow, under the direction of CID lead investigator, Mr. Cuffy. The Minister of Tourism and the president of the Dominica Marine Association have visited the victims to assure them of police progress and to offer whatever assistance is needed.
The Portsmouth Area Yacht Security (PAYS) patrol boat currently provides a security patrol only at the north end of the bay, from sundown to dawn. There are plans for a larger boat, which may mean the patrol can be extended to the customs dock area and the south end of the bay. If such plans are implemented, announcements will be made in the Eastern Caribbean yachting press.
7 May 2009 - Grenada Port of Entry Changes
Effective immediately, the Port Authority, at the direction of the Ministry of Health, has designated ONLY the Grenada Yacht Club in St. Georges and Hillsborough, Carriacou, as ports of entry for yachts entering Grenada for the foreseeable future. This change is put in place in an effort to prevent individuals with symptoms of Influenza H1 N1 (swine flu) from entering Grenada and passing on the disease.
At the present time, there are NO REPORTED CASES of swine flu in Grenada.
Currently, passengers disembarking at Point Salines International Airport and the cruise ship facility at the Esplanade Mall are required to complete a health card which is reviewed by public health professionals prior to those passengers being allowed to leave the airport or cruise ship facility, Yachts clearing in, at this point, are NOT required to complete a similar health card, but that may change in the near future.
Questions should be directed to the Ministry of Health, phone 473-440-3485/4935/3177, fax 473-440-4127, or e-mail min-healthgrenada@spiceisle.com.
4 May 2009 - Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, Navigation Hazard
The sunken yacht reported last month as a navigation hazard is, as of this writing, even more of a navigational hazard, as it is completely submerged. Efforts were made to raise and remove it, but the mast and rigging began to fall apart during this effort. SLASPA now has contracted with a professional salvage crew to remove the wreck. At this point, there are two markers indicating the location: a red mooring buoy to the northwest of the wreck and a white bleach bottle to the southeast. The wreck is about 1 meter below the water, and not a hazard to dinghies, but a potential hazard to any vessel with a keel of more than 2 feet.
1 May 2009 - Jolly Harbor, Antigua, Navigation Hazard
There are two obstructions close to the harbor entrance. Near the last red pile - 30ft/9 m to the southeast is a broken off spud from the barge, almost vertical, covered by 3 to 4 feet of water (the surrounding depth around is 10 to 12 feet). This obstruction has damaged several boats. Right now it is marked with a red and yellow flag and two yellow buoys. Approximately 40 ft/12 m further to the southeast is the second obstruction, a broken off part of a spud, resting almost horizontally on the ground. It is not marked at this time. Be very careful approaching Jolly Harbor. The two piles out at sea are not lit. Stay in the middle of the marked channel: piles are outside the harbor, buoys inside.
6 April 2009 - Puerto Cabello, Venezuela
We have received word that the Venezuelan government has taken over the marina at Puerto Cabello. This facility is quite near the naval base, which provided some limited Haulout facilities, and also is the usual port of entry for cruisers moving between Venezuela and either Bonaire or Curacao. It is not known at this time what impact the government takeover will have on facilities and services for cruising yachts.
5 April 2009 - Shelter Bay Marina and Boatyard, Panama
Sometime in March, three yachts hauled at Shelter Bay Marina had their outboards stolen. At least one of these was locked securely to the stern rail - this report is included on the MOST RECENT page as well as within the COLOMBIA AND CENTRAL AMERICA page of the ISLAND REPORTS. Cruisers returning to the marina also to learned that there have been several thefts of boats in slips: people leaving the boat for a short period of time and not locking up, then returning to find something of value missing, i.e., a computer, a camera.
There are many cruisers heading that way to go through the canal. Shelter Bay is the only marina now to provision and prepare for transit through the canal, with the closure of the Panama Yacht Club. Security at the marina is minimal: one or two lights in the yard, near the road, but none towards the back, no security guards or patrol at night, in either the marina or the yard, and no "gates" to the docks.
1 April 2009 - Chaguaramas, Trinidad
Reports of three or more dinghies and outboards stolen in the Chagaramas area during March, at least one from the Power Boats dinghy dock, included in the MOST RECENT page as well as on the SOUTHERN WINDWARDS page.. There have been several thefts from boats whilst the owners were ashore over recent weeks and one more serious (reported) case of a robbery at knife point which occurred at the previously very safe Peakes Yacht Services apartments.
Cruisers intending to visit Trinidad and/or lay up there for hurricane season are advised to be especially vigilant until the thief (or thieves) is caught, as well as to lobby the marine businesses in Chagaramas to put in place more efficient processes for their security guards. It is not good enough to simply increase the number of guards. They must be effective and at the time of writing, there seems to be not a single business in Chagaramas where that is the case.
12 March 2009: Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, Navigation Hazard
In the early morning hours of 12 March, a sailing vessel sunk just to the northwest of the north breakwater into Rodney Bay Lagoon. This is a 40 foot yacht and is submerged to a depth where about 75% of the mast shows above water, canted at a 45 degree angle.
This vessel is not a hazard to navigation to yachts as she is rather closer both to shore and to the breakwater than a yacht would likely be. She is, however, a hazard to the jet skis, local fishing boats, and local speed boats if close attention is not paid, both during the day and after dark.
SLASPA, the St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, has taken responsibility for the vessel, and is making plans to raise her and move her to an undisclosed location.
27 February 2009: Chateaubelair, SVG
While there have been no further reports from this anchorage since July 2008 and there was one yacht anchored there when we passed by in late February, local knowledge maintains that the perpetrators of the assaults dating from December 2007 have not been arrested. Yachts are cautioned to avoid this anchorage until authorities verify that there are no further dangers.
From Monday June 1, 2009 to Sunday June 14, 2009 the bridge will be closed for maritime traffic. Depending on the progress in the execution of the repair work during these two first weeks the bridge will open one day per week at 06:00 o’clock AM permitting vessels to depart and to enter the Lagoon.
When the repair work is being done underneath the bridge deck the bridge will not open for vessels and no maritime traffic will be allowed to pass under the bridge deck as the passage will be blocked by a pontoon. All maritime traffic will have to make use of the passage under the bridge at the Coastguard/Police Station side of the channel.
Work on the topside of the bridge will be done 15-30 June, and will mean traffic delays. After June 30, 2009 the bridge will continue to open daily on the regular opening hours.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation will keep the maritime sector as well as the general public informed about the bridge opening times on a weekly base or as soon as there is any change in the work schedule. All facility holders, docks, piers and marinas will receive the information by fax or by e-mail or will be visited by employees of SLAC.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority advises the captains of all vessels to decide whether their vessel will stay in the lagoon or outside in the Simpson Bay during the repair time that the bridge cannot open. Those vessels that can transit the Sandy Ground Bridge will be able to continue to do so during the regular bridge opening times of the French side bridge.
15 May 2009 - Serious Assault & Robbery in Prince Rupert Bay, Dominica
In the early hours of 14 May, a yacht anchored close to the customs dock near the Picard River was boarded by three swimmers, armed with a gun, a machete and a knife. These men tied the 2-person crew with duct tape, gagged and beat them, and proceeded to ransack the boat in a search for cash and valuables, destroying the VHF radio in the process. The men then stole the yacht’s dinghy as transportation to shore; the police later retrieved the dinghy.
The crew freed themselves and motored to the nearest yacht for help. The police and the coast guard responded within 20 minutes. As of 18 May, there are two suspects in police custody and more to follow, under the direction of CID lead investigator, Mr. Cuffy. The Minister of Tourism and the president of the Dominica Marine Association have visited the victims to assure them of police progress and to offer whatever assistance is needed.
The Portsmouth Area Yacht Security (PAYS) patrol boat currently provides a security patrol only at the north end of the bay, from sundown to dawn. There are plans for a larger boat, which may mean the patrol can be extended to the customs dock area and the south end of the bay. If such plans are implemented, announcements will be made in the Eastern Caribbean yachting press.
7 May 2009 - Grenada Port of Entry Changes
Effective immediately, the Port Authority, at the direction of the Ministry of Health, has designated ONLY the Grenada Yacht Club in St. Georges and Hillsborough, Carriacou, as ports of entry for yachts entering Grenada for the foreseeable future. This change is put in place in an effort to prevent individuals with symptoms of Influenza H1 N1 (swine flu) from entering Grenada and passing on the disease.
At the present time, there are NO REPORTED CASES of swine flu in Grenada.
Currently, passengers disembarking at Point Salines International Airport and the cruise ship facility at the Esplanade Mall are required to complete a health card which is reviewed by public health professionals prior to those passengers being allowed to leave the airport or cruise ship facility, Yachts clearing in, at this point, are NOT required to complete a similar health card, but that may change in the near future.
Questions should be directed to the Ministry of Health, phone 473-440-3485/4935/3177, fax 473-440-4127, or e-mail min-healthgrenada@spiceisle.com.
4 May 2009 - Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, Navigation Hazard
The sunken yacht reported last month as a navigation hazard is, as of this writing, even more of a navigational hazard, as it is completely submerged. Efforts were made to raise and remove it, but the mast and rigging began to fall apart during this effort. SLASPA now has contracted with a professional salvage crew to remove the wreck. At this point, there are two markers indicating the location: a red mooring buoy to the northwest of the wreck and a white bleach bottle to the southeast. The wreck is about 1 meter below the water, and not a hazard to dinghies, but a potential hazard to any vessel with a keel of more than 2 feet.
1 May 2009 - Jolly Harbor, Antigua, Navigation Hazard
There are two obstructions close to the harbor entrance. Near the last red pile - 30ft/9 m to the southeast is a broken off spud from the barge, almost vertical, covered by 3 to 4 feet of water (the surrounding depth around is 10 to 12 feet). This obstruction has damaged several boats. Right now it is marked with a red and yellow flag and two yellow buoys. Approximately 40 ft/12 m further to the southeast is the second obstruction, a broken off part of a spud, resting almost horizontally on the ground. It is not marked at this time. Be very careful approaching Jolly Harbor. The two piles out at sea are not lit. Stay in the middle of the marked channel: piles are outside the harbor, buoys inside.
6 April 2009 - Puerto Cabello, Venezuela
We have received word that the Venezuelan government has taken over the marina at Puerto Cabello. This facility is quite near the naval base, which provided some limited Haulout facilities, and also is the usual port of entry for cruisers moving between Venezuela and either Bonaire or Curacao. It is not known at this time what impact the government takeover will have on facilities and services for cruising yachts.
5 April 2009 - Shelter Bay Marina and Boatyard, Panama
Sometime in March, three yachts hauled at Shelter Bay Marina had their outboards stolen. At least one of these was locked securely to the stern rail - this report is included on the MOST RECENT page as well as within the COLOMBIA AND CENTRAL AMERICA page of the ISLAND REPORTS. Cruisers returning to the marina also to learned that there have been several thefts of boats in slips: people leaving the boat for a short period of time and not locking up, then returning to find something of value missing, i.e., a computer, a camera.
There are many cruisers heading that way to go through the canal. Shelter Bay is the only marina now to provision and prepare for transit through the canal, with the closure of the Panama Yacht Club. Security at the marina is minimal: one or two lights in the yard, near the road, but none towards the back, no security guards or patrol at night, in either the marina or the yard, and no "gates" to the docks.
1 April 2009 - Chaguaramas, Trinidad
Reports of three or more dinghies and outboards stolen in the Chagaramas area during March, at least one from the Power Boats dinghy dock, included in the MOST RECENT page as well as on the SOUTHERN WINDWARDS page.. There have been several thefts from boats whilst the owners were ashore over recent weeks and one more serious (reported) case of a robbery at knife point which occurred at the previously very safe Peakes Yacht Services apartments.
Cruisers intending to visit Trinidad and/or lay up there for hurricane season are advised to be especially vigilant until the thief (or thieves) is caught, as well as to lobby the marine businesses in Chagaramas to put in place more efficient processes for their security guards. It is not good enough to simply increase the number of guards. They must be effective and at the time of writing, there seems to be not a single business in Chagaramas where that is the case.
12 March 2009: Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, Navigation Hazard
In the early morning hours of 12 March, a sailing vessel sunk just to the northwest of the north breakwater into Rodney Bay Lagoon. This is a 40 foot yacht and is submerged to a depth where about 75% of the mast shows above water, canted at a 45 degree angle.
This vessel is not a hazard to navigation to yachts as she is rather closer both to shore and to the breakwater than a yacht would likely be. She is, however, a hazard to the jet skis, local fishing boats, and local speed boats if close attention is not paid, both during the day and after dark.
SLASPA, the St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, has taken responsibility for the vessel, and is making plans to raise her and move her to an undisclosed location.
27 February 2009: Chateaubelair, SVG
While there have been no further reports from this anchorage since July 2008 and there was one yacht anchored there when we passed by in late February, local knowledge maintains that the perpetrators of the assaults dating from December 2007 have not been arrested. Yachts are cautioned to avoid this anchorage until authorities verify that there are no further dangers.