Pirates last Thursday fired gunshots while robbing a five-man crew of fishermen of outboard engines and other articles at the mouth of the Pomeroon River in the Atlantic Ocean.
Police in a statement said that the fishermen were sleeping around 11.30 pm when they were aroused by the sound of gunshots. They were then confronted by two of three bandits, who sailed up in a boat near to the fishermen’s vessel. The bandits then climbed into the fishermen’s vessel and ordered them to lie face down. During the ordeal the robbers took away two Yamaha outboard engines, fuel and other articles.
Over recent months sea pirates have stepped up their attacks on fishermen, and only the day before this latest incident two fishing boats were attacked near the Waini River. Back in January a group of fishermen had met with Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee complaining about the incessant attacks. The fishermen had alleged that on many occasions when pirates hijacked their boats and stole their fishing nets they were made to wait for hours before police took a statement from them, which often was facilitated by them buying food for the rank.
Rohee had promised the fishermen that he would raise the matter with the Commissioner of Police, while urging the fishermen to be vigilant and report all incidents of robbery to the police.
However, since that meeting not much has happened, while the pirates continue their attacks.
