In a fresh maritime drama, Venezuela on Saturday accused the USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109), a US Navy destroyer, of illegally intercepting the fishing vessel Carmen Rosa during routine operations in its waters. 🌊
The Carmen Rosa, crewed by nine fishermen, was about 48 nautical miles northeast of La Blanquilla island—within Venezuela’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). An EEZ is the area where a coastal state has special rights over marine resources.
According to a Telegram statement by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, the US destroyer deployed 18 armed personnel who boarded and occupied the Carmen Rosa for eight hours. During that time, the vessel’s communications were blocked and its normal fishing activities obstructed 🎣🚫.
Venezuela slammed the move as “a provocation through the illegal use of military means, aimed at justifying a war escalation in the Caribbean and pushing for regime change.” It’s a scenario that resonates with coastal communities from the Philippines to Sri Lanka, where fishing isn’t just work—it’s a way of life.
At a Saturday press conference, Minister Gil demanded that Washington “immediately cease these actions that put the security and peace of the Caribbean at risk,” underlining Venezuela’s commitment to defending its national sovereignty and promoting peace.
As tensions simmer, the incident is a reminder of how the high seas link us all—whether you’re casting nets off Caracas or the coast of Aceh. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding maritime dispute. ✌️
Reference(s):
Venezuela says U.S. illegally intercepts Venezuelan fishing vessel
cgtn.com
