On the afternoon of September 3, the 74 meter long, 1400 dwt fishing vessel Verdel (IMO: 8512657) caught fire in the South Atlantic Ocean at Mar del Plata, Argentina. Nearby witnesses spotted smoke billowing from the Verdel and attempted to spray water into the vessel. The local fire brigade was alerted and arrived on scene a short time later.
The fire fighters boarded the Verdel and found the source of the fire. The fire was coming from the starboard bow and had spread through multiple compartments and passageway to the main deck. It would take several hours of intense work before the fire fighters extinguished the blaze.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the possible cause of the fire. No reports of injuries.
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.
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.
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
Photo: portalportuario.cl
Photo: paraguayfluvial.com
Photo: paraguayfluvial.com
Photo: x.com
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.
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.
