Jolly Roger sinks teens in unplanned pirate attack
(CNS): The sinking of a homemade boat in the annual Caybrew Cardboard Boat Race was not part of the show, officials have confirmed. Police are now said to be investigating what happened when the pirate pleasure boat ran into a group of teens who were part of the race and literally sank the competitors. According to sources, the sinking caused a mild concussion in one teen who was hit on the head by the Jolly Roger as she battled to swim out of the current created bythe more than 45 ton vessel. The incident was caught on video and Caybrew, along with the operators of the pirate boat, say they are trying to get to the bottom of what happened.
“The Cardboard Boat Race has been taking place for the last eight years without incident. The highest measure of safety has always been key to its success with the help of volunteers and the RCIPS Marine Unit.,” said a spokesperson from Caybrew. “It is very unfortunate that this accident occurred but the main focus is to ensure it never happens again. As the police investigate the current circumstances, we are in contact with the Jolly Roger as well as the Pirates Week Committee in making sure protocol is set for future events so that we can continue making the event a fun, successful and safe event for everyone to enjoy.”
However, the race, which had become one of the most popular Pirate’s week event, was light on support this year, with crowds down from thousands to just hundreds – reflective of what many people have described as a very poorly organised and underfunded 2014 festival.
Despite the smaller crowds, the teams involved in the race made a fabulous effort, as ever, with their vessels.
Results were as follows:
1st – MEPCO Ltd.
2nd – JML International Ltd.
3rd – Sunrise Adult Training Center
Best Design/The Digicel “Be Extraordinary Cup” – Ernst & Young for the Flintstone’s Boat
Team Spirit – UCCI and Cayman Enterprise City
Best Sinking – Green Tech Solar
Category: Local News
On a technical, however I believe important point, and whilst the youngsters involved have my deepest sympathy, we are at the end of the day, dealing here with Pirates. Never met a law abiding one yet.
1) there is no laws on the island or a peson to be qualified to Capt a commercial vessel
2) Lquor Licensing Dept sould get inolved
3 Port Athority should also investigate
I have been on this boat several times and all the staff drink!!!
11:26, not to point out the obvious but it's a Pirate Ship and last time I checked, there has never ben such a thing as a Sober Pirate, you have more of a chance discoverig a Unicorn.
To err is human, but to ARRRRRR! is pirate.
Did the Marine Police breathalize the Captain? Has anyone in the history of the islands been DUI'ed for piloting a boat drunk?
This man does not deserve to be called a Captain .
The Capt and the owner are PIRATES!! Argggh!! they were drunk and decided to loot the cardboard boat..
Pirates will be pirates…
This never happened before because the Jolly Roger was never allowed to move into the harbour anywhere near the boats. It was used as a buoy for the cardboard boats to paddle around and remain stationery (or as stationery as can be). Common sense left the building clearly and that person sailing the boat should be removed fromhis duties at the helm for his stupidity.
Sick!
Why was the Jolly Roger manouvering at all with those small boats in the water around her – simply reckless. If the organisers want the racers to round the Jolly Roger then fine, but there is no reason it couldnt be anchored or at least hove to.
What, pray tell, was the captain thinking about? Why sail through the race course at all?
What is appalling was the reaction from the Captain. My husband is a certiifed Yacht Master and when he approached the Jolly Roger crew just after the incident he was dismissed with a very rude waive of the hand (so he then reported this accident to the MarinePolice.)
Sorry, but hiring the cheapest labor is not the answer. This is a 100 ton vessel and should require a certified 100 hundred Ton Master Captain. How does the work permit Board allow these short-cuts? Would we allow a witch doctor to be a pharmacist?
The Captain should be sacked in the very least.
Points well taken but you lose credibility when you state incorrect facts about the vessel – it is less than half that size. If in doubt, leave it out, then the rest of your comments are much more credible…
I think you are confused. A hundred ton license is for up to 100 tons, not for more than 100 tons.
I presume that the captain of the Jolly Roger had been drinking too much rum
The Captain should be fined.
or keel-hauled! ,,,,,,,,,Aaargh!
Possibly a harsher penalty is forthcoming should the investigation reveal serious negligence, which is what seems obvious to me.
Walk the plank!