At least nine people have died in a shooting at the Craftsman Fishing Port in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, with numerous others injured in the early Tuesday morning incident. The port area was rocked by gunfire that disrupted a busy coastal community that relies on fishing and trade for livelihoods. Local residents reported hearing rapid bursts of gunfire and seeing smoke from the port facilities as chaos unfolded in the pre-dawn hours.
According to the Ecuadorian National Police, a group of approximately 30 armed men arrived at the port on two boats and a taxi around 09:30 local time. The attackers allegedly moved through three port buildings, firing indiscriminately before escaping the scene. Authorities have said the attackers disappeared after the assault, prompting a wide search of the port area and nearby streets by multiple patrol units. Investigators have begun collecting evidence and reviewing security footage in an effort to identify those responsible and reconstruct the sequence of events.
Interior Minister Juan Zapata publicly confirmed the operation on social media and pledged a firm response, stating that organized crime would be pursued with all necessary force. In media remarks, he indicated that preliminary information points to an organized armed group as the principal instigator of the attack, rather than a faction offering protection to workers or fishermen. Police reports noted the presence of numerous ballistic projectiles at the crime scene, with officers cataloging hundreds of marks and residual shell casings to aid forensic analysis.
President Guillermo Lasso offered condolences to the families of the victims, many of whom were fishermen and traders affected by the violence. He underscored the government’s commitment to pursuing those responsible and restoring security to Esmeraldas and its coastal communities. The president affirmed that security measures would remain in place as long as necessary to ensure public safety and to support local authorities in the ongoing investigation.
Esmeraldas province has faced a pattern of violence linked to organized crime over several months. In response, the administration declared a state of emergency in the region earlier this year to mobilize additional security resources and coordinate cross-agency efforts. Officials have described a trend of targeted incidents intended to destabilize local economies, disrupt legitimate trade, and intimidate residents. The current attack has intensified concerns about the security of port facilities and the vulnerability of maritime commerce in the area, prompting calls for reinforced patrols and improved interdiction capabilities to deter similar actions in the future.
The aftermath of the incident has spurred local authorities to ramp up investigative work, with teams focusing on motive, funding channels, and any potential links to broader criminal networks. Community leaders, port workers, and merchants have expressed both shock and a renewed demand for accountability and protective measures. The government has signaled its intent to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions and international partners to share intelligence, enhance rapid response capabilities, and support reconstruction efforts in affected neighborhoods. As investigations proceed, residents are urged to stay away from the port district unless absolutely necessary and to report any new information to the police or designated authorities. The episode has underscored the fragile balance between economic activity and security in coastal Ecuador, where ports play a vital role in livelihoods and regional commerce.