US military forces sank the Ecuadorian vessel Maria Candelaria in the Pacific Ocean on suspicion of drug trafficking. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The incident occurred on September 7, 2026, at the port in Manta, Ecuador. Relatives of the crew members and local residents gathered near a police facility, waiting for the safe return of those on board.
US authorities suspected the vessel of involvement in drug trafficking. The crew members were later returned to Ecuador and taken to a police facility in Manta.
Photographs taken by Associated Press photographer Ariel Ochoa show women seeking information about the arrival of their relatives who were aboard the Maria Candelaria, and relatives of crew members peering through a fence outside the police facility.
No official statements regarding the sinking have been released yet. The investigation is ongoing.