Ecuadorian fishermen drone attack allegations

Ecuadorian fishermen have reported multiple incidents involving drone attacks and unidentified assailants in the Pacific Ocean. In one instance on 17 March 2026, a United States military drone strike reportedly destroyed the Ecuador-flagged vessel Negrá Francisca Duarte II near the Galápagos Islands. While all 16 crew members survived, they suffered physical injuries and psychological trauma. Captain Hernán Flores stated that a drone exploded near the cabin and that U.S. personnel on a nearby vessel pointed weapons at the crew. Legal action is being prepared in the United States to seek compensation for these losses.

Further reports indicate that survivors from other vessels encountered assailants wearing uniforms with United States flag patches but lacking official insignia. Some survivors claimed they were interrogated and handed over to the Salvadoran Navy. Additionally, the fishing vessel Fiorella disappeared in January with eight crew members missing. Analysis of flight data suggests a maritime patrol aircraft based in El Salvador tracked the vessels, and air traffic control recordings indicate the pilots spoke English with American accents. The Pentagon and the United States Coast Guard have denied involvement in these incidents.