Pirates attack yacht; rape foreigners in Colon

Eight armed men attacked and robbed the Alibaba yacht and raped two young Norwegian women crew members, in Nombe Dios Bay on the coast of Colon on the weekend.

Although the event was reported on Sunday, it occurred between midnight Friday and early Saturday.

The six young people aboard, four men and two women were attacked by eight men who arrived in a boat with an outboard motor carrying knives and guns and wearing balaclavas.

One of the rape victims was 20 years of age, the other, 35.

The pirates took money, cell phones and other property that belonged to the victims.

The attack was reported to National Police in Portobelo where the victims received medical treatment in the local health centre.

The sailboat captain was identified as Jorgen Brevik.

Elmer Castillo, regional head of the National Police commander reported that the alleged pirates have been arrested and investigations are underway by the National Police and the Public Ministry.