Colombian National Armada intercepted an unmarked vessel carrying three Nicaraguan crew members exactly seven nautical miles from the boundary line between both countries.
The vessel and its crew, carrying only personal affects and fuel, were taken to the Island of San Andres to face immediate deportation by the the Department of Security (DAS).
Navy Captain Carlos Gil, Commander of San Andres and Providencia said the operation was a success thanks to information received by U. S air and naval authorities, in accord with the maritime interdiction agreement signed by Colombia and the U.S.
Commander Gil also expressed his belief that the National Armada must “exercise sovereignty in the jurisdiction of the Specific Command of San Andres and Providencia to ensure the safety of the community living on the island.”
Colombia and Nicaragua have a long history of disputes over maritime rights. In April, Nicaragua detained 23 Colombian fishing boats, leading to accusations from Colombia’s Foreign Ministry that the country was in ” flagrant violation of the norms and principles of international law.”
Nicaragua challenges the maritime border between the two countries and claims the San Andres archipelago is in fact Nicaraguan.