The 146 meter long, 19992 dwt tanker Bunga Lotus collided with 3 barges on the Parana River near Ramallo, Argentina. The Bunga Lotus was proceeding upriver in ballast when it struck the barges under tow by a tug.The tanker sustained hull damage with its bunker tanks holed releasing some fuel. No reports of injuries, but oil pollution was spotted in the river. The Bunga Lotus was en route to San Lorenzo to load 5,000 tons of diesel fuel.
On December 13, the 176 meter long chemical tanker Ghetty Bottiglieri collided with the 180 meter long bulk carrier Octbreeze Island at the 285 kilometer mark on the Paraná River off San Pedro, Argentina. The Octbreeze Island was heading down the river when it was struck in it’s port side by the bow of the Ghetty Bottiglieri. The Octbreeze Island suffered a 5 to 6 meter gash in its hull resulting in its fuel tanks being punctured. The bulk carrier had severe flooding and developed a list, but was not in danger of sinking. A large oil slick formed downstream from the bulk carrier which was partially contained later by booms placed by authorities. The Ghetty Bottiglieri sustained damage to its bow. No reports of injuries on either vessel. Both vessels dropped anchor near the area of the collision. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Local reports state the vessels were in a severe storm at the time of the collision.
On October 24, the 200 meter long bulk carrier Saga Falcon ran aground on the Rio de la Plata near Martin Garcia Island, Argentina. The Saga Falcon’s bow sustained damage suffering water ingress. The vessel’s pumps were able to control the flooding. A repair crew was requested and begun work on damaged compartments in the vessel. After the wrok is completed, the pumps would dewater the hull and mutliple tugs would refloat the vessel on the rising tide. Reports state the Saga Falcon would require lightering and will transfer some of its cargo of cement to another vessel. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Traffic around the Saga Falcon was restricted to vessels with draft under 7 meters.