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USA: Maduro put Venezuela at the service of drug terrorism 0:45
(CNN) - This week a Venezuelan naval ship chose and lost a fight against a passenger cruise ship off the country's north coast, ramming it multiple times before it accidentally poured water on it and sank.
Owners of the German-owned RCGS Resolute cruise ship said their ship had been serviced in international waters Tuesday morning when the armed ship approached and ordered it to change direction.
The encounter intensified when, according to the company, "firearms were fired and, shortly after, the Navy ship approached the starboard side at a speed and angle of 135 degrees and deliberately collided with the RCGS Resolute."
"The Navy ship continued to ram the starboard bow in an apparent attempt to turn the ship's head toward Venezuelan territorial waters," said the Columbia Cruise Services statement.
- Who are the 15 Venezuelans accused of corruption, money laundering and drug terrorism by the US government?
However, the RCGS Resolute is reinforced with steel plates to help you navigate through the ice.
"While the RCGS Resolute sustained minor damage, without affecting the seaworthiness of the ship, it occurs that the Navy ship suffered severe damage by contacting the reinforced bulbous bow of the RCGS Resolute ice class expedition cruiser and began to enter water ”, indicated the statement of the company.
A total of 32 crew members were on board the ocean liner, which had no passengers.
The Venezuelan Navy acknowledged the incident, although it differs in its version of events.
According to Venezuela, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Venezuelan waters, next to Isla La Tortuga. Columbia CS says it took place in international waters near Willemsted, Curaçao.
The country's Defense Ministry suggested that the Resolute could have brought mercenaries ready to attack Venezuela. The questioned president of the nation, Nicolás Maduro, has often accused the United States government and its allies of trying to overthrow him, as much of the international community backed Juan Guaidó's challenge to his presidency.
A search and rescue mission successfully aided the crew of the sinking patrol boat, the Venezuelan navy said in a statement.
CNN's Stefano Pozzebon and Sara Mazloumsaki contributed reporting .
Boats
