285 kilos of cocaine in Ecuadorean ship

The fishing vessel Gema Felicidad sinking in coasts of Esmeraldas.

The fishing vessel Gema Felicidad, with registration P-04-00412 in the Main Port of Manta (Manabi), was detained in international waters with 285 kilos of cocaine hydrochloride and 17 people on board.

The retention of the vessel was made by an American patrol from District 11.

The crew was taken to the Operations Command Norte de Esmeraldas aboard the Coast Guard Isla Seymour.

However, it was learned afterwards that the boat had sunk about 50 nautical miles off the coast of Esmeraldas, just when it was towed to the port of the city, due to strong waves. (MZ)