On tomorrow’s 48 Hours broadcast, they will be telling the bizarre story of the death and disappearance of a sailor buddy of mine named Don North. He was cruelly murdered by another sailor who I also knew, named Javier. Who, incidentally, was also found to be involved in the death of Jean-Pierre Bouhard, yet another sailor, who I got to know back in Cartagena. He also became a target in Javier’s bizarre, murder/theft scheme. It involved killing both of these guys and stealing their boats, money, and other valuables. Luckily Javier was arrogant and stupid enough to get caught.

When all of this unfolded about a year ago, it was like something out of a movie. You simply cannot make shit like this up. It sent a wave of terror and chills across what had previously been a safe, tranquil cruising ground. I was actually interviewed by a CBS producer who was researching the story last spring for this piece, via skype. Knowing what I know about what happened, it will be interesting to see how the story unfolds.

Still find myself incredibly saddened by all the senseless loss though.