Battered by years of piracy, Meadowbank Wharf fishermen yesterday picketed the Office of the President and were moments later summoned to a meeting with President Donald Ramotar who they said listened to their pleas for coast guard patrolling and the overall security of Guyana’s fishing zone.
Their dramatic action followed a piracy blitz on Friday off the Essequibo coast in which as many as 15 boats were attacked and their crews beaten and robbed. At one point a large number of fishermen were locked into the hold of one of the vessels.
Around 19 fishermen had to be rescued from the sea on Friday and Saturday after being left by the pirates to drift. There was further tragedy when a boat going to the aid of the battered fishermen capsized off of Suddie. Two men died and several others are missing. There was one survivor.
2012 STABROEK NEWS