Brazilian Sailors Caught in Drug Smuggling Incident

In 2017, Brazilian sailors Daniel Guerra and Rodrigo Dantas answered a job advertisement that seemed like an opportunity to advance their careers. A British yacht owner, George Saul, was looking for deckhands to help sail his yacht, Rich Harvest, across the Atlantic from Brazil to Europe. The trip would be unpaid, but expenses were covered, and the sailors would gain valuable experience toward their goal of becoming sea captains.

30.09.2024 - 13:09 Created at

1 Minute Reading Time

Brazilian Sailors Caught in Drug Smuggling Incident

After meeting Saul, who went by the nickname “Fox,” the sailors were optimistic. Saul was friendly and informal, winning the approval of both Dantas and his family, who were reassured by his demeanor. The crew also included another sailor, Daniel Dantas (unrelated to Rodrigo), and French captain Olivier Thomas, who was hired to navigate the voyage.

The yacht set sail from Brazil on August 4, 2017, after a six-hour search by Brazilian police who found no evidence of illegal activity. The crew believed the inspection was routine, and the journey began smoothly. However, after two weeks at sea, the yacht encountered mechanical issues, forcing them to stop in Cape Verde for repairs.

While in Cape Verde, the local police conducted another search of the vessel. This time, they found 1.2 tonnes of cocaine hidden inside the yacht. Guerra and Dantas were shocked, insisting they did not know about the drugs.

In March 2018, the sailors were tried in Cape Verde and sentenced to 10 years in prison, despite their claims of innocence. Authorities believed George Saul, who had left for Europe by plane before the voyage, was the mastermind behind the smuggling operation. Brazilian police had been alerted to the Rich Harvest by the UK’s National Crime Agency and suspected the drugs were loaded onto the yacht before the crew was hired.

Efforts to extradite Saul, who was arrested in Italy, were unsuccessful. He was released before the necessary paperwork from Brazil arrived, and he has since returned to the UK. Despite the Brazilian authorities’ frustration, Saul, now living in Norwich, continues to deny involvement in drug trafficking.

In 2019, the convictions of Guerra and Dantas were overturned, and they were allowed to return to Brazil. Both sailors have struggled to rebuild their lives, with their dreams of becoming yacht captains shattered. Guerra, in particular, expressed his disappointment, stating that his trust in people, a crucial element for long voyages, was irreparably damaged.