Panama pirate attack: Alan Culverwell tried to prepare his family for the worst, sister says

Sunday, 5 May 2019

Alan Culverwell died in Panama while defending his family from armed robbers who boarded their yacht.

They prepared for the worst but nothing could have prepared them for this, says the sister of slain man Alan Culverwell.

The 60-year-old Picton man who was killed on his family boat in Panama knew the dangers of the sea and made sure his family would be safe in emergencies – the ones they could manage.

Culverwell's younger sister, Derryn Hughes, said the family of four was 'so methodical'.

'They used to practise man overboard drills and evacuation drills with the children, so they weren't taking this trip lightly, but I don't think anything could prepare you for something like this.'

Nelson Boys College U16 Harlequins and Blues team say a prayer for the Culverwell family after the Harlequin's coach,Mark Culverwell, lost his brother in the Panama pirate attack.

* Teen detained after Kiwi man shot by pirates in Panama

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Alan Culverwell with his wife, Derryn, who was injured during the attack.

Alan was shot by pirates who attacked their boat near Morodub Island, about 2am on Thursday (local time).

His wife, also Derryn, and their 11-year-old twins were on board at the time. Derryn sustained a machete wound in the attack.

The Marlborough family had spent two years sailing around the Caribbean, and were on their way to the Panama Canal, before finally making their way back to New Zealand.

When pirates took over the vessel, Alan's wife locked herself in the cabin with her children before calling friends in Marlborough for help, Hughes said.

She said her sister-in-law didn't know what to do so she made an emergency call to close friends in Marlborough, Rebecca and Steve Woledge.

Steve had been involved in marine recovery and made his living on the water, like Culverwell, she said.

'She didn't have a number in Panama that she could ring, she was injured and bleeding quite badly and she needed to react' so she called Steve. 'He was very instrumental in getting support to her.'

In a statement, Rebecca said she took the call from Alan's wife on Thursday at 6.05pm before Steve immediately got a rescue under way.

'We were solely focussed on getting them help from then on. We would like to thank all of those who were involved in what was the longest night of our lives.

'This includes New Zealand Rescue Control Centre, The New Zealand Police, IMB, MFAT, Interpol, Panama Rescue Control Centre and our contacts in the superyacht and chartering industries, and anyone else I have failed to mention.'

Steve Woledge is now in Panama with four other friends and relatives of the Culverwell's from New Zealand supporting the family, Hughes said.

'All of us would just love to go over and wrap our arms around her and the family but it's just not possible.'

She said there was no set date for the family to return to New Zealand as they were assisting police with the investigation.

Alan's parents were 'really struggling' with the loss, Hughes said, as were Derryn's family who 'loved Al like he was their own'.

Alan was the oldest of four siblings, including two sisters and a brother, Mark.

Mark Culverwell coaches the Nelson College Harlequins under 16 rugby team.

Hughes said Mark was moved to tears during a game, when the team's players paid tribute to the Culverwell family.

'They had a game on Saturday against under 16 Blues. Mark had no idea they were doing this but both teams went out in the field and went down on their knee and said a prayer for the family.'

A fundraising page set up at www.gofundme.com, has raised more than $20,000 from people around the world to help with the logistical challenges of dealing with an horrific event far from the family's home in New Zealand.

Three people linked to the attack have been arrested including a teen and appeared in court on Sunday. The teen has reportedly been given provisional detention, according to Panama broadcaster TVN.

'A teenager was given provisional detention in Colon, for a crime against life and personal integrity, (Aggravated Dolous Homicide), committed to the detriment of Alan Grenfell Culverwell. The Office of the Prosecutor for Adolescents has a year to investigate' TVN said in a translated tweet.