The 51-year-old diving instructor was shot twice by masked gunmen while on board his yacht in the Bahamas
A British yachtsman killed during a robbery on board his boat in the Bahamas has been named as Gary Vanhoeck.
The 51-year-old was shot twice by two masked men after they ambushed his yacht last Friday at around 10pm, demanding money.
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Mr Vanhoeck’s wife Kathryn was also on board the vessel at the time of the incident and was unharmed after being tied up in a cabin.
The couple had been enjoying a quiet evening moored in Stuart’s Cove before being targeted by the thieves.
A spokesman for Nassau Police said: “Police have launched an island-wide manhunt for the suspects responsible for a shooting incident that left a man dead on Friday 1 May.
“According to reports, around 10pm, a man who is a British national residing in the Bahamas for a number of years, was at home on his sailboat located at western New Providence near a place where he is employed, when two men armed with handguns accosted him and demanded cash.
“The men fired two shots hitting the victim before fleeing on foot.
“The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are searching for four men in connection with this incident. Investigations are ongoing.”
Credit: Twitter
Mr Vanhoeck’s family have paid tribute him, with his brother Wayne telling the Evening Standard: “Gary lived for the moment, he went out to the Bahamas to live his dream. He had an idea of what he wanted to do and he went for it.
“He was very determined, very positive. You wanted him to be your brother. I am absolutely gutted.”
Originally from Grimsby, Mr Vanhoeck had previously worked as a computer technician before moving abroad and pursuing a new career.
The father of one was working as a diving instructor in the area and had also been credited as crew on the film All Is Lost, after helping to film underwater scenes for the movie.