On July 24, 1823, in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, specifically in Lake Maracaibo near Zulia in present-day Venezuela, the most important naval battle in Hispanic America’s independence struggles took place, resulting in a complete victory for the forces of Gran Colombia.
The engagement was led by Gran Colombia, under Admiral José Prudencio Padilla, commanding a fleet that included the brigs Independiente, Marte, and Confianza; and the schooners Leona, Esperanza, Independencia, Emprendedora, Antonio Manuela, Manuela Chitín, and Peacock. They were supported by the feluccas Barnesa, Guaireña, Cariaqueña, Tormentos, Voladora, and Emprendedora; three bongos, and several armed boats.
The Spanish fleet, directed by Captain Ángel Laborde y Navarro, included the brigs General Riego, Esperanza, and San Carlos; the schooners Especuladora, Zulia, Mariana, María, Cora, Liberal, Estrella, Rayo, María Salvadora, and María Habanera; the sloops Guajira and Monserrat; the feluccas Atrevida and Guaireña; the barges Resistencia, Mercedes, and Brillante; the frigates Vengador, Rayo, and Pedrito; and the canoes Raya, Duende, Papelonera, Esperanza, Feliz Marina, Altagracia, San Francisco, and Corbeta.
Due to this significant historical event, July 24 was established as the day of the National Navy of Colombia, celebrated every year at all ARC bases nationwide. This year, the epicenter of the celebration was Cartagena de Indias, where protocol ceremonies were held with the attendance of the President and High Military Command, including a tedeum and Eucharistic celebration, the awarding of decorations and promotions, and the unveiling of a new bust of Admiral Padilla.
Beyond the commemorative and historical event, the date also served as an opportunity for the Navy to present its operational results for 2024, particularly in the fight against transnational crimes affecting the country.
In the fight against drug trafficking, the Navy highlighted the confiscation of 350 tons of narcotics worth $10 million and the capture of 390 people. In intercepting contraband, they seized goods worth 62 billion pesos. Additionally, 90 machines used for illegal mining and 10 tons of illegal fishing were detained.
In terms of social actions, 1,483 wildlife individuals were rescued, 49 evacuations were supported, and 427 people were rescued. A total of 135,000 Colombians benefited from 24 support days, 13 farmers’ markets, and 8 entrepreneurship fairs as part of the “Navegando al Corazón” Plan. Congratulations to the Navy of the Republic of Colombia on its day.
You may also like: The Colombian Navy has deployed the ARC Tayrona submarine to the U.S as part of the DESI Exercise
