Woman Sailor Robbed In Chile

Thu., March 20, 1997

Associated Press

A woman returning to her sailboat in the Falkland Islands to continue a round-the-world adventure was robbed Wednesday at the airport in Chile.

It was the latest setback for Karen Thorndike, of Snohomish, who had returned home early last month due to health problems, leaving her 36-foot yacht, Amelia, in the islands off Argentina.

Thorndike was robbed of travel papers, credit cards and $5,000 in cash by a pair of thieves.

A spokesman said Thorndike and a companion were at a ticket counter in Santiago and about to board the flight to the Falklands when at least two people crowded in and began a commotion. When Thorndike reached for one of her bags to check it a few minutes later, it was gone.

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