Pirates on the Amazon River spared the lives of two New Zealanders only after desperate pleas from a jungle guide and his crew, it has been revealed. The ship had two security staff on board but they were outnumbered and overpowered by the pirates. Travelling with the Kiwis on board the craft operated by Delfin Amazon Cruises were six Australians and 20 American guests. Since the incident, security measures have been stepped up to ensure passenger safety. In 2001, New Zealand's most famous sailor Sir Peter Blake was shot and killed by armed pirates in the Brazilian Amazon.

Source: New Zealand Herald October 09, 2016 06:00 UTC