Colombian boat found by fishermen, no drugs

Three Caye Caulker fishermen set out on a fishing trip to Turneffe three days ago, but what they hauled in was not what they expected. It was big, blue and had two three hundred fifty horse power diesel engines. According to B.D.F. Maritime Wing officials, they suspect that the boat, which was towed into Belize City Headquarters this afternoon, was left adrift by Colombian drug runners, presumably after turning their cargo over to local contacts for shipment north. Several bags of oranges, tinned food, fuel filters, and a withdrawal slip from a bank in Bogota, Colombia were found on board. The boat had no serial number or name on it and it appeared that a large radio was missing from the cabin. B.D.F. officials and police will continue to examine the boat for further evidence. It is presumed that the crew has left the country. In 1997 two similar sized Colombian skiffs were busted, one with its full crew, yielding several tons of cocaine. It is believed that eventually the boat will be turned over to the fishermen who originally discovered it.