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Month: April 2025

Papu Mar

Papu Mar

Papu Mar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar

On the night of April 17, the 32 meter long towboat Papu Mar (MMSI: 755103015) sank on the Río de la Plata Punta in the Indio Channel near the Banco Chico reef off Argentina. The Papu Mar was pushing the barge 240-4 carrying 140 containers when the towboat suffered uncontrolled water ingress caused by stormy conditions. The crew was unable to control the flooding and the towboat partially sank by the stern. The nine crew on board were able to evacuate the vessel and seek refuge on the barge.  Authorities would later rescue the crew and safely transferred them to Port of La Plata where they would receive medical treatment.

Papu Mar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar

The RN Salvamento dispatched the tug Ona Don Lorenzo (IMO: 9328388) to assess the situation. The tug was found the Papu Mar had completely sunk, but still connected to the barge. The barge would later be uncoupled and towed to Buenos Aires. Authorities were monitoring the sunken towboat for any potential release of pollution. Reports state the vessel owners were arranging the refloating of the Papu Mar. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Local news reports state the towboat had possibly made an error in judgement to cross the river during the storm. There are suggestions that the rudder room or excessive listing may have allowed water to flood the vessel.

Invictus

Invictus

Invictus

On April 22, the 182 meter long, 45953 dwt tanker Invictus (IMO: 9536820) caught fire in the Indian Ocean.  The Invictus was bound for Fujairah from Beira when a fire broke out in the tanker’s engine room.  The crew was able to extinguish the fire by the following morning, but only after one crew member sustained burns. An Indian Naval vessel was nearby and proceeded to assist the tanker with medical assistance. Reports state the crew member injured did not require to be airlifted from the vessel, but the vessel’s owners are seeking was to transfer him off the vessel.

Reports state the Invictus sustained damage from the fire and was adrift. The tanker had it’s engine room partially flooded. Naval authorities were monitoring the situation.  No details if the tanker would be taken under tow by tugs or if the crew would be able to make repairs.

 

 

MSC Talia F

MSC Talia F

MSC Talia F
Photo: Salvamento Marítimo

On April 19, the 139 meter long, 11816 dwt container ship MSC Talia F  (IMO: 9308601) became disabled on the Atlantic Ocean off  Punta Melenara, Spain. The MSC Talia F loaded with containers  had suffered engine failure and went adrift in rough conditions with winds reaching 30 knots and waves reaching 2 meters.

The MSC Talia F contacted authorities requesting assistance. The Salvamento Marítimo deployed the tugboat Heroínas de Sálvora to assist.  The tug was able to take the container ship under tow and proceeded to Port La Palmas. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Reports state the MSC Talia F was able to make repairs and proceed on its voyage to Nouakchott, Mauritania.