Panama Maritime Authority managing assistance for crew of vessel detained in Venezuela

The General Directorate of Seafarers (DGGM) of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) has taken action to safeguard the labour rights of the nine crew members of the Panamanian-flagged vessel N35 (IMO number 8119637), which was detained by the Navy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on June 13, 2025. 

The AMP has demanded that the shipowners fulfil their responsibilities to the crew—among whom is a Panamanian—and has been monitoring all actions taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIRE) in this regard. 

The Maritime Labour Affairs Department of the DGGM has granted a court appearance for the MIRE (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to assist the family of the Panamanian crew member detained in Venezuela and the national coordinator of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), Vladimir Small Ortiz. 

The information obtained so far by the AMP comes from the ship's operators, who have confirmed that they have provided legal assistance to the arrested crew. 

This is because diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Panama were re-established on June 19 and will be effective starting today, July 7, when the personnel return to their offices.

The AMP hopes that, upon regularising these international ties, official information will be obtained about the crew members and the process being followed. As the vessel's flag state, the Republic of Panama is committed to ensuring compliance with national and international regulations protecting the labour and social rights of all seafarers on board vessel N35.