https://www.jpost.com/international...to-german-cruise-vessel-before-sinking-623422
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8183677/Venezuelan-warship-RAMS-German-cruise-liner.html
So it appears the RGCS Resolute, a German-owned Portuguese-flagged cruise ship being sailed with no passengers but a crew of 32 stopped mid-journey to do some engine repair work in international waters off the coast of Venezuela.
The Venezuelan warship/patrol boat Naiguata challenged the ship and ordered it to go to a Venezuelan port. While the ship's master was discussing things with his home office, the Naiguata fired on the cruise ship, then tried to force it to turn to port to Venezuela by ramming its starboard bow.
Unfortunately for the Naiguata the Resolute is built to cruise in antarctic and arctic waters, and as such has a reinforced hull and a bow built for breaking ice. The Resolute suffered only minor damage but the Naiguata apparently took on water, capsized, and sank (Venezuela has not confirmed the sinking part). The Naiguata crew were rescued without loss.
Oops.
Maduro is claiming the cruise ship was transporting mercenaries, pirates, wreckers and hoarders, kulaks, and various other ne'er-do-wells.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8183677/Venezuelan-warship-RAMS-German-cruise-liner.html
So it appears the RGCS Resolute, a German-owned Portuguese-flagged cruise ship being sailed with no passengers but a crew of 32 stopped mid-journey to do some engine repair work in international waters off the coast of Venezuela.
The Venezuelan warship/patrol boat Naiguata challenged the ship and ordered it to go to a Venezuelan port. While the ship's master was discussing things with his home office, the Naiguata fired on the cruise ship, then tried to force it to turn to port to Venezuela by ramming its starboard bow.
Unfortunately for the Naiguata the Resolute is built to cruise in antarctic and arctic waters, and as such has a reinforced hull and a bow built for breaking ice. The Resolute suffered only minor damage but the Naiguata apparently took on water, capsized, and sank (Venezuela has not confirmed the sinking part). The Naiguata crew were rescued without loss.
Oops.
Maduro is claiming the cruise ship was transporting mercenaries, pirates, wreckers and hoarders, kulaks, and various other ne'er-do-wells.