Reports state the Stella Banner had struck bottom when it exited the port of Ponta da Madeira, Brazil resulting in hull cracks and breaches near the bow.  The Stella Banner struck a shallow area near buoy 1 in the São Marcos Bay channel.  Authorities say over 5,000 tons of seawater has ingress into the vessel’s cargo holds.

Reports state the company Ardent Global was contracted to create a salvage plan. The hopes were to have any salvage begin as soon as possible. The Navy has reported the ore carrier is still releasing diesel fuel / fuel oil into the water. The Navy has dispatched a tug with dispersants to help mitigate the pollution released.  Vale has also reached out to Petrobras for help containing the pollution.