Eric Arthur, a 62-year-old American retiree, never imagined his life would take such a dark turn when he named his yacht “Tambo,” after the iconic characters Terminator and Rambo.
What was meant to be an adventurous journey around the Caribbean soon became a fight for survival after a series of harrowing events in Venezuela.
From Businessman to Sailor: The Dream That Became a Nightmare
Arthur, who sold his condom and lubricant business in Fort Smith, Arkansas, decided to leave behind his former life and set sail on his 48ft catamaran.
After spending four years exploring the Mediterranean, he ventured across the Atlantic to experience the beauty of the Caribbean.
He had planned to ring in the New Year in Barbados, and then head south toward Venezuela for its stunning beaches.
But things quickly spiraled out of control.
Disaster Strikes in Venezuela
Arthur’s plans took an unexpected turn when he was boarded by the Venezuelan coast guard, who spent hours searching his yacht for drugs.
After being ordered to leave the country’s waters, Arthur fell asleep at the wheel during his journey back, causing his catamaran to run aground around 11:30 pm on January 6.
Though well-prepared for such a situation, Arthur abandoned ship and took refuge on a life raft.
After drifting for three days, he was eventually rescued by fishermen.
The First Step Toward Prison: A Remote Military Base
Arthur thought his ordeal was over once rescued, but it was only just beginning.
He was taken to a remote military base where conditions were far from ideal.
Though he was allowed to sleep and have breakfast, things took a disturbing turn when the military demanded he film a video thanking Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for rescuing him.
Arthur refused to comply, as he didn’t want to be used for propaganda purposes.
A Hostage-Like Situation in Margarita Island
Arthur’s nightmare deepened when he was moved to Margarita Island, where he was placed under virtual house arrest at the home of a local military commander.
He was closely watched by the Venezuelan coast guard, and although he was promised release, things didn’t go as planned.
Instead, he was thrown into a harsh prison in the capital, Caracas, without any charges against him.
Life in the Venezuelan Jail
The conditions in the Venezuelan prison were brutal.
Arthur was forced to sit shackled in a chair for up to 14 hours a day and was fed only through intravenous fluids.
The constant loud music and harsh lighting made sleep nearly impossible, and frequent interrogations accused him of being a spy.
He and other Americans were subjected to relentless psychological tactics in an attempt to break them down.
Political Turmoil and the US Efforts to Free Hostages
Arthur wasn’t alone in his captivity. He was one of several Americans arrested in Venezuela, some of whom were accused of terrorism, espionage, or even attempting to assassinate President Maduro.
In reality, many of these men had traveled to Venezuela for personal reasons, such as meeting women they had met online.
They found themselves caught in the middle of a tense political standoff between the US and Venezuela, as both governments worked to dislodge Maduro from power.
The Deal That Led to Freedom
The breakthrough came when the US government, under former President Donald Trump, brokered a deal with Maduro.
Special envoy Richard Grenell visited Caracas to negotiate the release of six American prisoners, including Arthur.
Although Arthur wasn’t initially part of the deal, last-minute changes saw him and another American suddenly whisked away from their cells and transported to an airstrip.
Arthur recalls the terrifying moment: “I thought they were going to kill me.”
But moments later, Grenell and others arrived, and they were quickly flown to the US.
A Shocking Return to Normal Life
Once back in the US, Arthur and the other released hostages were brought to Arlington, Virginia, where they spent the night at a Hilton Hotel.
However, Arthur was shocked to learn that he and the others were asked to sign agreements to pay for their hotel stay.
What’s more, they were not designated as “wrongfully detained” by the State Department, which meant they wouldn’t have access to the usual medical treatment and counseling for former hostages.
Starting Over After a Horrifying Ordeal
Now back in the US, Arthur is left to pick up the pieces of his life. “I’m broke now.
Got to start all over,” he said, acknowledging the lasting trauma of his ordeal.
Despite everything, Arthur feels fortunate to have survived.
He plans to possibly move in with his 87-year-old father in Los Angeles as he works on rebuilding his life after the unimaginable experience. “It was a horrible experience, but I feel blessed.
I can’t believe it. I could still be there,” Arthur reflects.
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