Destroyers Close On Hijacked Ship

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30058, 16 February 1963, Page 11

Destroyers Close On Hijacked Ship

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) CARACAS, February 15. Two Venezuelan destroyers expect to intercept the hijacked Venezuelan cargo ship Anzoategui early today, British United Press reported. American and Venezuelan search planes are following the 3126-ton cargo ship.

A spokesman tor the Venezuelan Navigation Company. which operates the Anzoategui, said the ship was in the Caribbean about 155 miles south-east of Puerto Rico.

The ship, with a crew of 35, was seized early yesterday by members of a proCommunist group apparently as part of a Communist campaign against President Betancourt

The United States and other friendly nations were asked to help recapture the freighter. The American Coast Guard at San Juan. Puerto Rico, last night reported intercepting a message from the ship,

Reuter said. The message said: “Crew is well, officers and men under arrest.”

The Venezuelan Transport Minister. Captain Pablo Miliano, announced that the freighter was seized at night by nine men, led by her second officer, Wismar Medina. They belonged to a “force of national liberation” opposing President Betancourt.

At the time Captain Miliani made his announcement, a woman telephoned American correspondents in Caracas saying that the Anzoategui was "beading to meet friends." The unidentified woman said the hijackers “have protection.”

She claimed to be in radio contact with the vessel and said there had been no violence aboard.

The Anzoategui was bound for New Orleans from La Guana, Venezuela, with general cargo. The Associated Press Mid authorities in Caracas believed the hijackers -were heading for Cuba. The agency Mid the authorities scoffed a* the hijackers' offer to exchange the crew for Venezuelan political prisoner*. Mr C. Perez, the Venezuelan Minister of the Interior, commented: “It’s ridiculous propaganda because they have to surrender