Dutch Yachtsman Murdered Off Sao Luis, Brazil Coast
A Dutchman, identified as Ronald Francois Wolbeek, 60, from Edam, Holland, was fatally shot in the chest in the early hours on Sunday, 15 Feb near the Yacht Club of Sao Luis, off Maranhao coast, Northeast Brazil.
According to information from the Independent Tourism Company (CPTur), the victim was with his partner, Maria Rawie, 69, in their Netherlands-flagged sailboat, Lios Alvar, on 14 Feb.
According to the victim’s partner, at around midnight Sat/Sun, the boat’s alarm was set off and Ronald went to check. He encountered two men on the deck of the yacht. Following a brief argument, one of the men fired two shots, one of which hit Ronald Wolbeek in the chest.
Maria Rawie stated that she attempted to clean the chest injury that Ronald sustained, but considering his distressed stated, took a lifeboat and jumped into the water but did not have the strength to paddle to shore, therefore swam towards the Yacht Cub. Once ashore, she met a CPTur car and was able to report the incident.
Maria informed the local police that after the shooting, the suspected robbers fled without taking anything from the vessel. There was a third accomplice waiting in a small motor boat for their escape.
The police conducted an examination for gunshot residue of Maria’s hands in order to eliminate her from the investigation.
Major Roberto, Commander of CPTur, stated that the couple arrived in Brazil 21 Dec 2014 on a boat that was a gift from the parents of Dutchman Ronald Wolbeek. They had sailed to various parts of the world before coming to Sao Luis, including passing through Fortaleza, before entering the bay of San Marcos around 1700 LT on 14 Feb but had not docked at the pier.
The Maranhao police informed the Federal Police and Dutch consulate on completion of the police report.
Initially, the police did not find the suspected robbers, however on Friday, 20 Feb, it was reported in Brazilian media that the police had arrested two suspects in Sao Luis. They are still searching for a third suspect.
Original source: Imirante Globo [Translated]
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