I was sent a horrifying email last week that illustrates that violent attacks – acts of piracy – continue in parts of the Caribbean.

Steve and Katherine Jones were chartering from Martinique over Christmas and stopped in the anchorage at Chateaubelair on St Vincent, traditionally a hopping-off point before the bumpy passage north to St Lucia.

The boat was secured except for the front cabin hatch, which was open. Steve says : ‘At 00.30 we were boarded and viciously attacked by 3 armed men, 2 with machetes and one with a hand gun.’

Read more about this incident in Elaine Bunting’s blog.