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Tag: Amazon River

Barges Aground Off Batangas

Barges Aground Off Batangas

Barges off Batangas
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On July 19, the barges Amazon River, EE Margarette and Yangtze River went aground in Balayan Bay along the shoreline near Calaca City, Batangas, Philippines.  The barges Amazon River, loaded with 1567 mt of molasses, and Yangtze River, loaded with 1462 mt of molasses, were under tow by the tug Robina I bound for Balayan. Nearby, the barge EE Margarette, loaded with 1772 mt of molasses, was being towed by the tug Robina II was also bound for Balayan. The vessels had to divert due to rough seas from Tropical Storm Crising and shelter in the bay. The winds from the tropical storm was strong enough to snap the mooring lines to the barges resulting in all three barges washing ashore. The barge Amazon River and EE Margarette collided during the incident resulting in hull damage to the EE Margarette.

The Philippine Coast Guard  stated that all 21 crew onboard the vessels were safe. Authorities stated that some of the molasses cargo from the EE Margarette was released into sea. The coast guard stated the cargo was considered non-hazardous and would dissipate in the sea. Local officials stated salvage and the removal of the barges will be done as soon as conditions improved.

 

 

Allision on the Amazon

Allision on the Amazon

Ucayali
Photo: x.com

On the early morning of May 2, the 47 meter long Peruvian navy vessel Ucayali (CF-14) allided on the Amazon River near the confluence of the Napo River some 50 miles downstream from Iquitos, Peru. The Ucayali was  proceeding on the Amazon when it struck the anchored 196 meter long, 27471 dwt oil barge El Manati (IMO: 8641604) resulting in the hull breach and uncontrolled water ingress. The crew were unable to stop the flooding and the Ucayali partially sank to the river bottom.  Reports state that 30 of the crew were rescued, but 2 crew perished and one was listed as missing. An operation was launched with divers along with aerial drones for the missing crew members.

Damage to the El Manati was not reported, but there were no reports of oil pollution released from the barge. The Peruvian Navy has launched an investigation into the incident.

El Manati

Mercosul Santos

Mercosul Santos

The 210 meter long, 35239 dwt container ship Mercosul Santos collided with a tug on the Amazon River near Obidios, Brasil. The Mercosul Santos was headed towards Manaus when it struck a tug that was pushing nine barges. One barge was cut in two and sank to the river bottom. Another barge was crushed and remain stuck on the bulbous bow of the Mercosul Santos.

Nine of the 11 crew who were on board the barges and tug were reported as missing and feared dead. Authorities requested divers from Santarem to search for the missing crew.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.