Oil Barge Hijacked in Peru's Loreto Region; Workers Kidnapped, $2 Million Ransom Demanded

An alarming incident has occurred in the Loreto region of Peru, where a tanker barge loaded with 10,500 barrels of crude oil has been seized on the Corrientes River. The company RICSA has reported that seven of its workers have been kidnapped, and the perpetrators are demanding a staggering S/2 million (approximately $540,000 USD) for the release of both the personnel and the vessel.

The hijacking took place on April 12th near the community of Providencia. According to RICSA's report, approximately 25 individuals on boats intercepted the river convoy, forcing the crew to divert the barge, named Pacífico XIX, and the tugboat Coseda I to a community-controlled area. The company states that its workers were subjected to physical and verbal aggression before ceding control.

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The company assured that it will not agree to negotiate under illegal pressure mechanisms and maintained that its assets are being retained for personal enrichment.

RICSA has filed formal complaints for kidnapping, extortion, and disruption of public services. They emphasize that the seven workers remain deprived of their liberty and are potentially suffering psychological distress and violations of their labor rights. The company has identified key individuals allegedly responsible, including community leaders. RICSA asserts it will not negotiate under duress and believes the seizure is for personal enrichment.

Beyond the immediate human and financial concerns, RICSA has also raised serious environmental alarms. The uncontrolled retention of crude oil poses a significant risk to the river ecosystem, with the potential for an environmental disaster if handled by untrained individuals. Furthermore, the disruption of operations impacts the region's energy supply and halts the flow of oil revenue, known as the 'canon petrolero,' which is vital for Loreto's development. Authorities have been notified, and investigations into organized crime are underway, with RICSA demanding the immediate release of the tugboat and the apprehension of those responsible.

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RICSA also alerted that the retention of crude oil without technical supervision represents a danger to the river's ecosystem, as the manipulation of the barge by untrained personnel could cause an environmental disaster.