Aren't You Afraid of Pirates?

This is one of the most common questions we’re asked about sailing. I think this fear is borne from memories of the horrifying Abu Sayyaf abductions several years ago in Palawan (although the victims were abducted from a resort then taken by boat to Basilan) and the frequent piracy incidents in Somalia. I must admit though that the story of the American couple living their dream of sailing around the world who were taken hostage and killed in Somalia 2 years ago freaked me out.

A fisherman offering his newly caught 15+ kilo tuna on our way to Dumaguete

Today’s pirates are not the Blackbeard-type but range from petty thieves eyeing your fraying board shorts to modern boaters equipped with mobile phones, GPS and fast boats, out to hassle you for cash, fuel, electronic equipment or maybe even your entire vessel.