Amazon bandits, Peru

This item appears on page 18 of the October 2009 issue.

The cruise ship m/v Aqua experienced two robberies by bandits while cruising up the Ucayali River in the Peruvian Amazon. On July 26 and on Aug. 4, robbers boarded, overwhelmed two guards and bound and robbed the 20 guests. One of the officers was treated for head injuries, but no tourist was harmed.

Officers raided the bandits’ base camp, seized weapons and equipment, made some arrests and retrieved some stolen possessions.

Coast Guard and national police boats now escort every ship in the area, with officers also stationed on board. Aqua Expeditions (Loreto, Peru; www.aquaexpeditions.com) has resumed cruises.