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Tag: Chile

Ocean Breeze

Ocean Breeze

The 138 meter long, 52289 dwt bulk freighter Ocean Breeze went aground near San Antonio, Chile.   The vessel had been at anchor near the port when stormy weather struck the area.   The Ocean Breeze’s anchor began to drag until the bulk carrier went hard aground on a sandbank close to shore.  Tugs had attempted to pull the vessel into deeper water, but the heavy swells pushed the vessel until it was 300 yards off shore.   The Chilean Navy dispatched a helicopter to the scene and were able to safely rescue all 24 crew members on board.    Reports state there is a significant risk that the vessel will sustain damage and possible pollution being released as the Ocean Breeze is battered by the heavy seas over the next few days.  No salvage attempts will be made until the weather conditions improve.   The Ocean Breeze was en route to San Antonio from Arica with a cargo of wheat and soy beans.

More photos at 24horas.cl

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Faro De Hercules Sinks

Faro De Hercules Sinks

The 400 dwt fishing vessel Faro De Hercules sank off the coast of Punta Arena, Chile in heavy seas of 4.5 meter high and winds as high as 40 knots.   The vessel was fishing for hake with 42 crewmen on board.   The vessel had radioed it was in trouble and would be needing assistance.   Two rescue boats, Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales, aircraft and two fishing vessel were sent to the area the Faro De Hercules last reported.   A naval aircraft was able to contact one life raft and found that most the crew were on 2 life rafts.   Vessels were able to reach the life rafts and 38 crewmen were rescued.   Reports state 4 listed as missing and are presumed lost.   The cause of the sinking has not been reported, but an investigation is being conducted into the causes of the accident.