A number of unauthorized persons boarded the German-flagged containership Rotterdam Express last week in an effort to smuggle 185 kilograms of cocaine aboard.
The vessel’s crew reported the presence of unknown persons on board shortly after leaving the port of Cartagena, Colombia. At the time, the ship was some 12 nautical miles off the coast of Cartagena.
Colombian naval and coast guard units were immediately sent to assist the crew. Once on board the 66,975 dwt vessel, the officials conducted an inspection, locating ten illegal passengers. The officials also inspected the containers and found the cocaine.
Rotterdam Express, which is operated by German shipping major Hapag-Lloyd, continued its voyage following the incident.
AIS data provided by MarineTraffic shows that the ship departed the Colombian port on January 25 and was bound for the port of Caucedo, Dominican Republic.
Relevant authorities launched an investigation to find out how the illegal passengers and the drugs arrived on board the ship.
World Maritime News Staff