Modern day pirates based on a tiny isle off Andros are plundering Bahamian boats, threatening crews with handguns and escaping with lobster catches worth $50,000 or more at a time, it was claimed last night.
Up to 15 high-powered dinghies are involved in what one furios fisherman described as “out and out piracy” at lobster grounds about 40 miles west of Andros. Their area of operation stretches for 100 miles south of South Riding Rocks.
Now the victims, who claim their livelihoods are being threatened by the seaborne bandits, say there will be “war on the high seas” unless the government acts swiftly to end the problem.
Yesterday a delegation met the Ministry of National Security’s permanent secretary Mark Wilson, in an effort to bring the piracy to an end. Today, aggrieved fishermen are due to meet police commissioner Paul Farquharson.
Victims are convinced the raiders are coming from the Red Bay and Lowe Sound areas of Andros. They say local police are aware of the problem but have declared themselves powerless to act.
John Marquis, The Tribune
