Yachtsman Blake Died in Pirate Attack

Yachtsman Killed During Holdup

Sir Peter Blake died after pirate attack off Brazil

New York, December 10, 2001 -- The yachting world is mourning the loss of New Zealand yachtsman, Sir Peter Blake. Blake, 53, was shot and killed December 5 by a gang of masked pirates that boarded his vessel, the Seamaster, during a holdup. The Seamaster was awaiting customs clearance off Macapa when the gang raided the vessel. Blake, who was appointed in July as goodwill ambassador of the United Nations Environment Program, was on a worldwide expedition to monitor global warming and pollution when the attack occurred.

Seven men were arrested in Brazil in connection with the murder. The seven men arrested have confessed to stealing items from the boat, but claimed the killing was an act of self-defense. According to reports, Blake tried to fight the gang off, but died after being shot twice in the back.

Blake, who began sailing at age 5, was considered one of the most successful yachtsmen in history. Blake is best known for leading Team New Zealand to victory in 1995 in the America’s Cup, yachting’s most prestigious team competition. Last year, he became the first non-American entry to retain the America’s Cup in 149 years. Blake’s list of yachting accomplishments also includes a victory in the 1989/1990 Whitbread Round the World Race as skipper of the Steinlager 2. In 1994, Blake won the Jules Verne Trophy by sailing nonstop around the globe in 74 days, 22 hours, 17 minutes and 22 seconds. The International Olympic Committee said it plans to award Blake its Olympic Order posthumously.

Sources: Associated Press, December 7, 2001

Associated Press, December 14, 2001

BBC News, December 7, 2001

Reuters, December 14, 2001

Melinda McLane