Ecuadorian Fishermen from Attacked Vessels Claim Legal Violations and Unlawful Sinking of Their Boats by U.S. Forces

A report from Univisión—one of the most-watched channels by the Hispanic population in the U.S.—has brought attention to the case of Ecuadorian fisherman Eduardo Holguín, who recounted how a joint operation between his country and the United States culminated in the boarding and sinking of his vessel, the «Conquista 2.»

Holguín stated to the AFP agency that neither he nor his crew had any involvement in drug trafficking prior to being intercepted at sea on September 2, when their boat was destroyed.

According to the fisherman’s account, «a speedboat full of soldiers» approached them, and “they were pointing their guns at us. That’s when our nightmare began. They took our boat, brought us to the coast guard vessel, and blew it up,” he alleged.

Subsequently, the entire crew was released without any criminal charges being filed against them. So far, neither Ecuadorian nor U.S. authorities have publicly detailed what evidence was discovered on the intercepted vessels.

«We weren’t doing anything illegal. We are just ordinary fishermen who go out to work to earn our daily bread,» declared Juan Carlos Posligua, another member of the destroyed «Conquista 2.»

Read the full report from Univisión HERE