Boat Thieves Busy in Nassau, Bahamas
Round the clock deck watch seems to be the only answer to such a bold thief. Nassau is the capital and largest city of the Bahamas. It lies on the island of New Providence, with neighboring Paradise Island accessible via Nassau Harbor bridges.
Boat thieves have been busy in Nassau riding paddle boards up to docked vessels and stealing everything of value. The local police and BASRA calls the perp “Spider-Man” and always seems to give the constables the slip.
In Marsh Harbour last night, boat thieves hit a large catamaran motor yacht making off with their large RIB while yacht has docked at Harbourview Marina. All yachties are advised lock their tenders and tow-behinds and keep a lookout in the dark of night.
John Wampler
www.yachtaide.com
Comments from Cruisers (1)
The problem of thieves of boarding boats from the water, usually by the swim platform, and robbing boats at night while their owners are aboard, is a years-old, common event in Nassau. We used to regularly use the Nassau Harbor Club, which is conveniently located across from an excellent shopping center, including a Solomon’s Fresh Market. We no longer dock there, because of repeated reports of such incidents. Last year, friends of ours had their boat boarded at night, and the thief made his way through the boat, including the stateroom where they were sleeping. The thief cleaned out their wallets and purse. When our friend reported it to the police, he learned the Hatteras docked next to them had the same thing happen to them the night before! This problem is not limited to the Nassau Harbour Club, and recent reports indicate it is getting even worse throughout the harbour. The use of paddle boards is a new twist.
It’s difficult not to conclude that the police and some marina owners really don’t seem all that interested in fixing the problem. After our friend woke up and chased the thief out of his boat (they did lose their money and credit cards), our friend went up to find the night watchman asleep in an alcove where he couldn’t possibly see anything – apparently a common situation during prior robberies. A reliable source told us that the police know the one particular thief, who has been arrested multiple times, jailed and released.
Sometimes going to Nassau is a necessity, for provisioning, meeting guests, picking up parts or repairs. (Is there any other reason to go there?) Last year we decided to try the Bay Street Marina, and found the security to be first rate. Gates to each dock are locked at night. There were guards on duty 24/7; I observed them frequently walking the docks all through the night, which is critical since the robbers come from the water and not the land. Bay Street has brand new docks, a professional staff, a couple of good restaurants on site, and a pool. They can arrange for a shuttle to Solomon’s Market. It’s the place we recommend now. It’s more expensive than some other places, but you get…….
And we do keep all the doors locked anyway.
Greg Allard