Peter Blake killer caught after 16 years on the run

Sir Peter was shot dead on December 7, 2001, when bandits stormed his boat Seamaster, anchored off the coast of Macapa, Brazil. Sir Peter was leading an environmental exploration trip for the United Nations at the time.

Jose Irandir Cardoso (above left) was convicted of armed robbery leading to death, and sentenced to more than three decades in prison. He escaped soon afterwards.

Brazil’s military says Cardoso was recaptured earlier this week during a routine inspection on the island of Marajo. He was reportedly carrying his brother’s ID card, but his fingerprints revealed his true identity.

Brazil Military Police/Reuters: (left) One of the pirates involved in the death of Kiwi yachting legend Sir Peter Blake has been captured after 16 years on the run

Cardoso wasn’t the pirate who actually shot Sir Peter – that was Ricardo Colares Tavares, who was sentenced to 37 years in prison.

Sir Peter tried to defend the boat, but his rifle malfunctioned and he was shot in the back.

All the criminals got away with was the Seamaster’s motor and a few watches belonging to the crew.

In his career, Sir Peter won the Whitbread Round the World Race and the America’s Cup. He was knighted in 1995.

Story and images courtesy of Newshub