Amnesty International Renews Call to US on Missing Ecuadorian Fishing Boat

Amnesty International has reiterated its call for the United States to investigate the alleged January attack on the Ecuadorian fishing vessel Fiorella, which resulted in the disappearance of eight fishermen. The human rights organization emphasized the need for an impartial and urgent inquiry into the incident.

This renewed appeal comes in the wake of a Washington Post report published on August 13, which suggested that attacks on fishing boats in Ecuadorian waters might have been part of a CIA "covert action" program. Ana Piquer, Amnesty International's Americas director, stated that the U.S. role in the attack is becoming increasingly difficult to deny and called for criminal responsibility to be established if sufficient evidence exists.

The incident dates back to January 13, 2026, when ten fishermen departed from Manabí province aboard the Fiorella. According to an Amnesty International report from July, the vessel was allegedly subjected to sustained surveillance by aircraft, patrols, and drones bearing U.S. insignia starting on the fourth day of their trip. On January 20, two smaller boats with two crew members each detached from the main vessel. Hours later, one of these boats lost communication with the Fiorella and the other small boat.

The two survivors reported observing a large column of smoke in the direction of the Fiorella but could not confirm if the main vessel was on fire. Their families suspect the eight missing fishermen may have been detained and taken to another country. Other Ecuadorian fishermen have also reported similar attacks, including incidents involving drones and individuals identifying as U.S. citizens, who were allegedly handed over to El Salvador before returning to Ecuador.

The Washington Post report indicated that these alleged operations were defined as secret overseas operations with authorized presidential backing, though the extent of the U.S. intelligence agency's involvement remained unclear.

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The role of the United States in the attack is increasingly difficult to deny, and criminal responsibility should be established if there is sufficient and admissible evidence.