Later that night Jessica was able to talk to Nancy from the hospital, where Nancy described some of what happened with her usual amount of clarity and energy. As Nancy and Dan were making dinner, anchored away from the marina in the harbor, they heard a knock outside the cockpit. Dan emerged and found four men armed with machetes who had piloted their own dinghy to the sailboat. Both Dan and Nancy were prodded in the chest with the machetes as the assailants demanded US dollars and the access to either the sailboat or dinghy. Conflict ensued after they were dissatisfied with the limited amount of money on board. Nancy was held in a separate compartment as Dan grabbed his own machete and fought to his death. After the four men left the boat Nancy radioed for help and was picked-up by friends she knew from the marina. She was taken to the hospital with a chest wound and a collapsed lung. As of August 10, she remains in good condition, and has been able to have telephone conversations with both Jessica and Daniel with amazing strength and positivity.
above is a picture of the Drydens boat
Jessica, Brian and Daniel are headed to Guatemala City tonight (August 10, 2008) at 10:00 pm, and should be at the hospital by Monday night. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for Nancy’s recovery, sending Dan’s spirit on, and for the safe travels of Jessica, Brian and Daniel.
