08/07-13/2006
Chaguaramas, Trinidad
10.40.822N
61.37.899W

The big topic this week has been the speeding fishing boats. Rainbow Rider caught a flight out Friday morning and by 5pm that evening, the boat that had taken their mooring ball, Odyssey, had been struck by a speeding fishing boat.

The family of 4 had just returned to their boat when a fishing boat (who claimed problems with a stuck throttle) slammed into their dinghy throwing the father out. The mother had already climbed out onto the main boat and was in the process of transferring the children from the dinghy to the boat when it was struck. Thankfully, no one was injured but needless to say, the mother and children were hysterical when the father didn’t bounce back right away. (He intelligently stayed below the waterline until the props were cut.)

There was some damage to the swim platform on Odyssey and a police report was filed. However, the owner of the fishing boat, who wasn't the driver, didn’t appear to be concerned and claimed that she had no insurance and no money to compensate the family (according to the father who reported the follow-up the on the next morning net.)

On a happier note, we went to town and saw the movie, The Devil wears Prada and had dinner at a Ruby Tuesday. We’re still very concerned about security, so (don’t worry Mom) we took a marina taxi instead of a regular one; more expensive but definitely more secure.