The 188 meter long, 52994 dwt bulk carrier Star Zeta ran aground on the Parana River near San Pedro, Argentina. Headed to Cape Town, South Africa from San Lorenzo, the ran on to a mud bank. Local authorities dispatched divers to survey the vessel for damages. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Reports state salvage operations have begun while authorities investigate the incident.
On September 9, the 38 meter long fishing vessel Esteiro caught fire off Bahia Blanca, Argentina. The fire ignited in the stern of the trawler and quickly grew out of control. The crew attempted to put out the blaze, but the fire quickly engulfed the Esteiro. The vessel sent out a distress call with the nearby fishing vessel Atrevido coming to their aid. All 17 crew of the Esteiro were evacuated safely to the Atrevido. The fire consumed the vessel’s superstructure before fire fighting vessels could arrive on scene.
A patrol boat did attempt to extinguish the blaze, but the Esteiro superstructure was so badly damaged the vessel suffered water ingress and developed a list to starboard. The Esteiro eventually sank before it could be taken under tow back to port. No reports of injuries.
https://youtu.be/L4zd5agBxyM
On August 29, the towboat Espiritu Paraguayo sank on the Paraná river near Bella Vista, Argentina. The towboat was pushing a string of barges when it struck an unknown underwater object puncturing the vessel’s hull. The Espiritu Paraguayo later sank with the hull on the bottom with only part of the superstructure remaining above the water. Authorities arrived on scene and stopped the traffic near the tug. Oil pollution was spotted around the towboat. No reports of injuries.