Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has denied claims from Venezuelan authorities that a tanker crew has been arrested following the discovery of drugs.

The 47,000-dwt Jose Progress (built 2009) has been held at Puerto la Cruz after 147kg of cocaine was found on 7 October.

BSM told TradeWinds: "The vessel remains in detention in Puerto La Cruz and all our crew remain on board.