Paraguayan Navy ships draw over 10,000 visitors in Encarnación

The Paraguayan Navy's gunboat 'Paraguay' and patrol vessel 'Capitán Cabral' have made a historic docking in Encarnación, Paraguay, drawing significant public interest. The vessels arrived on Saturday to coincide with the Itapúa Rally World Championship, a major event for the region.

Since their arrival, the ships have welcomed over 10,000 visitors for guided tours. On Sunday alone, approximately 8,500 people boarded the vessels, with an additional 2,500 visiting on Saturday. The tours are led by crew members who share the history and significance of the ships.

This visit is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first time the 'Paraguay' gunboat, one of two operated by the Paraguayan Navy, has navigated the waters of the Paraná River. The deployment of the vessels to Encarnación was a request from the rally organizers, subsequently approved by President Santiago Peña.

Admiral Cristhian Rotela, Commander of the Paraguayan Navy, confirmed that the vessels are currently moored at the Encarnación breakwater. He indicated that the visiting hours, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, might be extended due to the high demand from the public. The guided tours are accessible in groups of up to 40 people and do not require advance registration.

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Both vessels are currently moored at the Encarnación breakwater and went to the capital of Itapúa at the request of the World Rally organization, a request that was later approved by President Santiago Peña.