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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.

Centurión del Atlántico

Centurión del Atlántico

Centurión del Atlántico
Photo: cronica.com.ar

On the evening of January 20, the 347 meter long fishing factory vessel Centurión del Atlántico (IMO: 8610021) allided  on the Beagle Channel with a concrete dock at Ushuaia, Argentina. The Centurión del Atlántico was approaching at speed when the vessel’s starboard hull slapped against the quay. Authorities reported that there was minimal damage to the vessel and the quay. There were no injuries to the 90 crew onboard the fishing vessel. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Beyond 2

Beyond 2

Beyond 2
Photo: argenports.com.ar

On October 22, the 181 meter long, 34126 dwt bulk carrier Beyond 2 (IMO: 9526564) ran aground twice on the Paraná River near Rosario, Argentina. The Beyond 2 departed from the ACA terminal in San Lorenzo with 33,000 tons of sorghum with a pilot onboard. The Beyond 2 proceeded downstream when the bulk carrier touch bottom on the river. The Beyond 2 remained aground for 24 hours until two tugboats arrived and successfully refloated it. The Beyond 2 continued on its voyage when it ran aground again an hour later. The vessel had vessel had veered just 40 meters outside the navigation channel and became stuck.  Two tugboats were sent again and freed the Beyond 2 again. The Beyond 2 proceeded to anchor in Rosario for inspections.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Beyond 2
Photo: argenports.com.ar

Reports state the dredging on the river in the area allowed sediment to settle on a single mound which has become a hazard to navigation. The Beyond 2 was kept at a draft of 9.77 meters which should have allowed it to pass over the area dredged to 10 meters deep.