Australian sailor Garry and his wife Wendy lose another mate - abducted and beheaded by Muslims
Tuesday, 28 February 2017
Just dreadful news from our mate Garry Goldsworthy and his wife Wendy today.
We first met Jurgen and his partner Sabine back in 2014 in Labuan. The horror he has suffered, having witnessed her murder when captured, and now this. He was not a just a tourist,to us that is almost an insult,he was a fellow sailor and world traveller and a human being.
Sadly these news stories are just another blip on the radar and go by unnoticed by most. It isn't important to someone whining about their penalty rates or the latest Trump moment.
Jurgen was a character and celebrated life everyday as most of us cruising sailors do.
We hope that these animals will one day be held accountable. This also brings back memories of John and Rob.
We will never forget RIP now Jurgen, Sabine, John and Rob.
German tourist beheaded by IS-linked militants in the Philippines
ISLAMIC militants in the Philippines have beheaded an elderly German tourist they had been holding hostage.
Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf militants posted a video of the killing after a deadline for a $US600,000 ($781,000) ransom passed.
The video showed a machete-wielding militant behead Jurgen Kantner. The German had appealed for help twice in short video messages, saying he would be killed if ransom were not paid.
Jurgen Kantner, in an undated image, was abducted from his yacht in November. Picture: SITE Intel Group via APSource:AP
The Philippines’ armed forces pledged in a separate statement to bring Kantner’s killers to justice and to continue operations to free other hostages held by Abu Sayyaf.
In Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a united international front against terrorism.
“The chancellor condemns this hideous attack that shows, once again, how unprincipled and barbarous terrorists act,” her spokesman Steffen Seibert said.
The Abu Sayyaf, blamed for the worst terror attacks in Philippine history, had previously demanded a ransom of 30 million pesos ($780,000) be paid by Sunday to spare the 70-year-old.
Kanter was abducted from his yacht, the Rockall, in waters off the southern Philippines last year.
The vessel was found drifting on November 7, with the body of Kantner’s female companion, Sabine Merz, bearing a gunshot wound.
Jurgen Kantner was killed when ransom demands for his release were not met. Picture: SITE Intel Group via APSource:Supplied
The couple had previously been kidnapped and held for 52 days in Somalia in 2008 before they were freed, reportedly after a huge ransom was paid, press reports said.
The Abu Sayyaf, whose leaders have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State movement in the Middle East, have been kidnapping foreigners and Christians for decades, holding them for ransom in the jungles of the strife-torn southern Philippines.
They have frequently killed hostages if their demands are not met.
Heavily-armed members of extremist group Abu Sayyaf pictured at their jungle hideout in the mountains of Sumisip, on the southern Philippine island of Basilan, in 2000. Picture: SuppliedSource:AFP
Abu Sayyaf is currently holding 26 hostages — 13 Vietnamese, seven Filipinos, a Dutch national, a Japanese, two Indonesians and two Malaysians, the military said.
The group, formed from seed money provided by a relative of Al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden in the 1990s, also carried out the bombing of a ferry in Manila Bay in 2004 that claimed 116 lives in the country’s deadliest terror attack.
The military had been pressing an assault against the Abu Sayyaf, attacking their camps and bombing their hideouts just before Kantner was killed.
ENDS
These are the same people who whom Julie Bishop has direct $58,000,000.00 in Australian Aid Funding to pay for Islamic Madrassas or so-called schools where the Koran is the primary text.
To Garry and Wendy we are beyond words in sorrow at your loss and the grief and anguish you suffered through the horrific murder first of your two Canadian friends and Sabine and Jurgen.
I hope you're tooled up Garry.
God bless you and all who sail with you.
Michael,
This is shocking news.
It is unbelievable that in this day and age - 2017, an atrocity such as this is still able to happen.
To Wendy and John I extend my sympathy with the loss of your friend Jurgen, I
understand you are distraught, I am as well. The thought of this will be hard for you to live with. It is difficult for all of us.
I did a cruise along the islands of The Philippines early last year and it was then I realised how much terrorism was still a reality.
Wendy and John will be in my prayers.
Posted by: Liz of Vic | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 04:11 PM
We must never forget that none of this has anything to do with Islam. We should also remind ourselves that not all Muslims are terrorists. (Strangely, however, all terrorists are Muslims.) Absolute barbarians! Filth of the Earth! Muslim and human TRASH!!! Thirty years ago Muslims were accepted anywhere, and by anyone, within the Western world. Now they are reviled by all thinking and otherwise mild-mannered ordinary citizens of Western countries. And standing cheek by jowl with Muslim low-life scum are politicians such as Turnbull, Bishop and Shorten. Words fail me. Donald Trump has got it right. Sadly, all we have in Australia (and also Europe) is a pathetic cadre of spineless jellyfish masquerading as "leaders" and "protectors".
Posted by: pegasus | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 04:28 PM
We need to stop all overseas aid until we can verify without doubt where the money goes and that it is being spent as required. Money to countries that buy fighter jets or set up schools that teach hatred of the West is absolutely crazy.
Posted by: Boolean | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 04:31 PM
This terrorist group will never enter into peace negotiations. For peace in the region, they have to be annihilated. The Filipino President is not afraid to make hard decisions so it is time he made one on the fate of these terrorist animals. Kill the bastards.
Posted by: seeker of truth | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 04:36 PM
At least we can agree on something.
Posted by: Truth_Will_Out | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 04:44 PM
Disgusting and very sad.
Terrorism, piracy, slavery, theft, banditry, murder - the historical legacy of Islam wherever it goes. Islam and its adherents are a cancer on this planet.
The fledgling United States of America sent the ships into the Mediterranean and marines into Tripoli during the Barbary Wars.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbary_Wars
"Six Frigates" by Ian Toll - a ripping read.
The US has prior experience dealing with the muslimes in the Phillipines.
"...the success of new aggressive American tactics. According to Rear Admiral D.P. Mannix, who fought the Moros as a young lieutenant from 1907–1908, the Americans exploited Muslim taboos by wrapping dead Moros in pig's skin and "stuffing [their] mouth[s] with pork", thereby deterring the Moros from continuing with their suicide attacks."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moro_Rebellion
Posted by: Gary | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 06:43 PM
Well said Pegasus, and so say all of us!
Posted by: hillbilly33 | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 06:51 PM
Where is the United Nations? The Phantom would sort them out in a week. So; Where is the United Nations?
Posted by: Paul | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 07:26 PM
"We must never forget that none of this has anything to do with Islam."
Unless you were engaging in sarcasm, I beg to differ -
Quran (8:12) - "I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them"
Right down as to how they should be executed.
Posted by: seeker of truth | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 07:28 PM
So sorry for your loss of more mates on the high seas.. Stay safe so you can continue with your own adventures I will call in the Archangels to keep you safe on your travels..
You have got yourselves out of trouble before so I would say you have finely tuned intuition so keep following your gut instincts to keep you safe as you have more tools at your disposal then the one that are physical .. Your inner knowing is the spiritual tool that will always keep you safe because you know your craft and you have an adventurist spirit.
I did just draw you a card and message from Archangel Michael "It's time to leave this unhealthy situation" came out so you may be having second thoughts about continuing with your sailing adventures at the moment after this tragedy, so really listen to your souls and know within yourself when it is time to give it away maybe you need to just take a break from it for a while and travel close to home more where you know you are safer while you decide what you want to do next. This has really hit you hard this time because you have seen so much disaster and fear and captures like this.. Search within your own hearts and use that finely tuned intuition and you will know the right thing for you to do at this time and follow your heart for it will lead you home and to the right places for the rest of your lives. So your adventures are never over they just may turn a different direction when you know within that it is time to give it away, "Admit the truth to yourself" was also a second message so deep within your souls you know what you must do trust your instincts always something better may be waiting for you. This will be something you both decide on together as you are soulmates for life .. love and light xx
Posted by: Michelle Two | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 07:40 PM
Malcolm Turnbull and his supporters, both direct and indirect, say this is false news and that Islam is the religion of peace, that we must reach out to them with our hard earned, come on everyone have the courage of your convictions, or suck it up and wonder why you were ever given a vote in the first place.
Please, please, remember next time you can vote people in, and you can vote people out, it doesn't have to be palatable, but it does have to be the right thing to do.
Posted by: Mycroft | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 08:22 PM
The religion of peace, huh?
So they just kill for the fun of it but in the name of their god, and demand a ransom on the side in case someone actually pays up.
Posted by: Beam Me Up | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 08:28 PM
I only wish, SOT, that my feeble attempt at sarcasm had even remotely approached the brilliance of Uncle Pat! Here is how the Master does it .... (you might have to choose the "open in a new window" option)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N46mIHEGHN0
Posted by: pegasus | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 11:23 PM
Thanks H/B. Islam - the only religion in recorded history that has absolutely nothing to do with itself. And moronic politicians like Turnbull, Bishop and Shorten swallow this crap by the bucket load! We should give thanks for people like Bernardi, Hanson, Trump, Le Pen to name just some.
Posted by: pegasus | Tuesday, 28 February 2017 at 11:35 PM
Thank you all for your well wishes.
Just so there isn't a misunderstanding Wendy and I are perfectly safe, we left the Philippines last year when I felt it safe to do so and have sailed through Taiwan, Japan and now to Korea. We are currently wintering in Korea, a country full of wonderful, friendly people who remind us every day just how much good there is in the world and how lucky we both are.
We will again be sailing at the end of the month and participating in a number of races both here and Japan this year before we head to Alaska.
So again thank you for your thoughts but we are both fine. It is our friend that we were concerned for and unfortunately the news was bad. Whilst time moves on the events of 17 month ago are etched in our memories and the very sad news of Jurgen death just brings those memories and those of John and Rob back. The world is not as innocent as it once was.
Always keep the pressure on the Government, there are still hostages held by these monsters and they obviously have no thought for compassion or human life and deserve to answer to a much higher authority for their acts.
Thanks also to Michael for his tireless work. With his permission I may send you a couple of good news stories to post every now and again. With all that is wrong in the world we sometimes need to remind ourselves that there is good out here, and there is. It's just getting a little harder to find.
Garry and Wendy
sv Spirit of Sobraon.
Posted by: Garry | Wednesday, 01 March 2017 at 01:42 AM
Except for the first sentence.
Posted by: TedM | Wednesday, 01 March 2017 at 08:14 AM
It was neither feeble nor discreet/disguised and anyone who didn't see it as sarcasm probably isn't a native English speaker OR needs to seek help.
Posted by: Phil McGoo | Wednesday, 01 March 2017 at 08:20 AM
The Philippines has long been dangerous destination for foreigners and even locals are in danger in many parts of that country. Police recommend against walking Manila city streets even in a group.
Posted by: Dennis Thompson | Wednesday, 01 March 2017 at 08:24 AM
Good to hear you are both safe and well and still have an adventurous spirit.. travel safe.. and god bless. Xx
With the card that come out this morning about releasing fear I think that may of been a message for someone else that may not be in a good place at the moment so needs to move on, I feel it is not Michael but something might of comevup fo another reader that needs direction and a way out of their current situation they know it is not good for them and should leave but fear of the unknown has them making unhealthy choices but they may not currently see another way out so they need to clear this heavy energy and they will find the light and know what to do.. xx love and light xx ❤
Posted by: Michelle Two | Wednesday, 01 March 2017 at 08:42 AM
I keep getting it is someone Michael has helped in the past or wihes to help them so send them healing energy and love help them see the light again.
Posted by: Michelle Two | Wednesday, 01 March 2017 at 08:59 AM
Australia's solution to 'islam terrorism' is to bring in more muslims, feed them and build more islamic schools and mosques, sounds like a perfectly good idea to destroy Australia.
Posted by: P.M. MUHAMMAD TURNBULLSHIT | Wednesday, 01 March 2017 at 09:39 AM
Well said.
Posted by: Lorraine | Wednesday, 01 March 2017 at 11:11 AM