On the early morning of November 13, the 200 meter long, 63,800 dwt bulk carrier Spar Indus (IMO: 9734991) ran aground in the Gulf of Arauco some 3.5 nautical miles off Punta Cochinos, Santa Maria Island, Chile. The Spar Indus was en route to Cabo Froward (Coronel) from Santos, Brazil when is stranded.

Authorities dispatched a response team to scene to determine the status of the vessel and begin an investigation into the incident. Divers found the Spar Indus in stable condition, no oil pollution had been released and all 21 crew were uninjured.

Tugs were dispatched to help free the bulk carrier which was finally refloated early on November 14. The Spar Indus then proceeded around the north end of Santa Maria Island to the Bay of Coronel where it anchored.