Piracy in the name of charity returns to local waters next month with the latest hostages of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation taking the plunge into Hamilton Harbour.

The foundation’s “Pirates of Bermuda Walk the Plank” fundraiser is set to go ahead on March 18, off Albuoy’s Point aboard Spirit of Bermuda.

The annual event raises funds for the foundation’s experiential education and life skills programmes for Bermuda’s public middle school students.

The “hostages” nominated to walk the plank can either get saved by the community, or sunk — with the public donating towards either their ransom or towards having them go overboard.

Robin Hamill, the chief executive of the foundation, said: “Our hostages have big hearts, a passion for raising money for a great cause and are willing to jump into the chilly waters of Hamilton Harbour.

“We really appreciate their willingness to give their time like this.”

But he warned: “Our pirates will not take mercy on anyone.

“It’s always a great day — whether you’re a hostage, crew member, volunteer or spectator.”

The event is said to be the charity’s most popular fundraiser, with onlookers treated to the sight of public figures taking a dive.

Mr Hamill added: “Our priority has always been to enable all public M3 middle school students to participate in our world-class, five-day experiential learning voyages at no cost.

“All proceeds from the event go to these programmes, which support Bermuda’s young people at a critical time in their life — teaching them skills like teamwork, self-regulation, relationship skills and critical thinking.”

He said that the youth development voyages had touched the lives of more than 7,500 students since the maiden voyage of Spirit in 2006.

Previous hostages have included the Right Reverend Nicholas Dill, the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda; the government senator Lindsay Simmons; the MP Curtis Dickinson; the lawyer Georgia Marshall and the trade unionist Linda Bogle-Mienzer.

Contributions can be made at the Ptix.bm website.