US cargo ship captain detained in Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The US Embassy in Venezuela says an American cargo ship captain has been detained at a port in the South American country.

An embassy official says the captain of the Ocean Atlas was taken into custody early yesterday. He says the captain is being held for an alleged infraction "involving documentation for three rifles carried on board as part of the ship's anti-piracy security package."

The official says 14 crew members are still on board the ship.

The 120-metre (396-foot) vessel docked in the western port of Maracaibo on August 29. It is operated by Intermarine LLC. The company has not responded to a call from the Associated Press seeking comment.

Venezuelan Justice Ministry officials couldn't be reached for comment.

Source: Jamaica Observer, Jamaica.