Additional Comments - Re: Two Yacht Murders in the Carribean - Could 2-way Radios deter this kind of crimes?

Additional comments received regarding my post:

Additional Comments - Re: Two Yacht Murders in the Carribean - Could 2-way Radios deter this kind of crimes?

Sorry Alan, didn’t see this before I posted my discussion on a couple of groups.

The sad part about the report on the murder of Sara was that she was stabbed and bundled into the boot of a car and able to call her husband, who was the Captain, from her mobile and describe the car etc.

Whilst I realise what you are trying to say, I’m not sure if reaching for something when confronted would be wise, it may just get you killed when the chance is that, if you hand over what ever they want they will take it and leave.

Both Drew and Sara would not have been helped in either situation if they carried a device or not, it was more of a stab/shoot first and then take what they want, if anything..

Chris Lane
Engineering Consultant/ Project Manager

Thanks for your comments on this. I tend to agree that “reaching for something when confronted” is not a good idea. What I’m trying to say is that every crew member carry a walkie talkie and be in communications all along. If that’s not reasonable - at least display the thing. Have the boat call for a radio check every half hour. Keep the thing up loud. Let everyone around hear the thing and see it, dump squelch noise often.

I carry a ham radio dual band handheld just walking to the mailbox. I dump squelch on the thing often while walking alone. Or I put it on an active channel with the volume up.

The idea is to be a deterrant. I would think most assailants would pick an easier target than someone with two-way radio communications. I’m not saying to call for help when you are already at gunpoint or such. Because as you say reaching for something hidden could make things worse. But if it were already openly displayed and openly heard…

On another note… I heard from the field, someone in the Carribean, that the captain that was shot - pursued the assailant after his girlfriend was grazed by gunfire. I don’t know how true that report is. But I wouldn’t recommend anyone do that either. If the attacker is running away … try to remember a good description and LET THEM RUN. DO NOT PURSUE. I wouldn’t even pursue with a gun. You’re not the police. I have worked armed security. If you chase and shoot and kill someone, I don’t care what they did … you just assaulted or killed someone yourself. Self Defense pretty much only works when you are being attacked with intention of bodily harm or death. Not someone that’s running away from a failed robbery or assault attempt.

… also Swim with the Buddy System. Don’t go jogging alone in the wee hours of the morning. Don’t make yourself a Sitting Duck.

Alan Spicer Marine Telecom
Land and Sea (Marine) Communications, Computer, Internet Networking Consultant

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Alan Spicer Marine Telecom

http://www.marinetelecom.net