CARACAS – Two Dutch nationals, including a captain, were recently arrested in Venezuela after their large vessel—reportedly searching for World War II shipwrecks—accidentally entered Venezuelan waters, according to reports in De Telegraaf. 

The ship, which sails under a Panamanian flag, was seized by Venezuelan authorities. In addition to the two Dutch citizens, crew members from Honduras, Spain, Indonesia, Hungary, and Panama were also reportedly detained. 

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López described the vessel as “suspicious”, emphasizing the importance of maritime sovereignty and the need to protect national resources as justification for the seizure and arrests. 

The incident underscores ongoing sensitivity around Venezuela’s maritime borders and comes amid increased regional scrutiny of foreign vessels operating near its coast. It is not yet clear what legal charges, if any, will be brought against the detained crew, or whether diplomatic efforts are underway for their release. 

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet publicly commented on the incident.