Venezuelan Navy Compels Seismic Research Ship to Enter Port

The 285-ft U.S.-chartered oil exploration ship 'Teknik Perdana' seized by the Venezuelan navy in Caribbean waters disputed with neighbouring Guyana was escorted into port at Venezuela's Margarita Island on Sunday, reports AP.

Quoting Venezuelan authorities, AP said the ship's 36 crew members, including five U.S. citizens and two Brazilians, would be held on board while an investigation continued.

AP note that Adm. Angel Belisario Martinez told local station Union Radio that the research ship was conducting unauthorized scientific work in Venezuela's exclusive economic zone and the case had been turned over to prosecutors.

Source: The Associated Press