The 90 meter long, 700 dwt passenger ship Plancius became disabled in the South Atlantic near Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. The vessel had suffered engine failure with a fault in a control box. The Plancius went adrift for a several hours until the crew could make repairs. The engine were restarted and the vessel continued on its journey. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Plancius was returning to Ushuaia from Antarctica with 92 passengers on board.
The 130 meter long, 7822 dwt freighter Brielle caught fire while at Ensenada, La Plata, Argentina. The fire started by a crewmen using a cutting torch in the engine room and quickly engulfed the vessel. Local firefighters were called and were able to contain the fire. One crewman perished while another six crew were injured by smoke inhalation. The injured crew were later taken to hospital. The Brielle was loaded with machinery at the time. The authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The 32 meter long, 203 dwt tug Ava Payagua collided with the 82 meter long sand-barge Rio Turbio on the Parana River off the 102 kilometer mark near Zarate, Argentina . The Ava Payagua was undamaged, but the Rio Turbio quickly capsized and sank. No reports of injuries to the 12 crew on board the Ava Payagua. Authorities launched multiple vessels on scene conducting search and rescue for the missing men. Divers were sent into the vessel and found one survivor. One engineer was found alive in the capsized hull and was taken to hospital suffering from hypothermia. Divers later found four bodies trapped in the hull. Divers continue to search for three missing crewmen. Authorities placed a boom was placed around the Rio Turbio to contain any pollution that may be released. Reports state three crew from the Ava Payagua were taken into custody while the vessel was being detained for inspection. An investigation into the incident is being conducted.
