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The El Atracadero To Go

The El Atracadero To Go

El Atracadero
Photo: mexiconewsdaily.com

On October 10, the floating seafood restaurant El Atracadero was swept away from its moorings on the Tuxpan River at Tuxpan, Mexico. The water level on the river had swelled and overflowed its banks caused from the heavy rains from Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond. The El Atracadero continued to drift down the river and eventually made its way into the Gulf of Mexico and was presumed lost.

The 46-year old restaurant would drift southward in the gulf when it at some point the building split apart.  One section that contained the kitchen and bathroom was found near the port of Alvarado some 200 kilometers away from Tuxpan.

The other section containing the dining room was spotted 1 kilometer off the shore of Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. The dining room had travelled some 570 kilometers before it eventually beached at Playa El Tesoro.

Mexican Navy has secured both sections of the restaurant to avoid any risk to navigation in the area. Reports state there was no one inside the El Atracadero during the incident. The El Atracadero started in 1979 and known to both locals and tourists for its cuisine.

 

 

Provincia del Azuay

Provincia del Azuay

Provincia del Azuay
Photo: milenio.com

On the early morning hours of March 17, the 30 meter long, 503 dwt tug Provincia del Azuay (IMO: 9654933)  sank in the Gulf of Mexico at its berth in Veracruz, Mexico. The tug suffered uncontrolled water ingress during the night. The two crew onboard were unaware until an audible alarm was sounded which left the crew just minutes to evacuate the vessel.  The Provincia del Azuay continued to sink until only part of the wheelhouse and mast was still above water.

Authorities, port employees and local fire fighters arrived on scene and began measures to contain any pollution that might be released. Booms and absorbent pads were placed around the wreck to contain any oil pollution. Reports state the tug had only a small amount of reserve fuel in its tanks at the time of the incident. Authorities have stated there will be an investigation into the incident. Cranes will be brought in to lift and refloat the Provincia del Azuay.  No reports of injuries.

BBC Iceland

BBC Iceland

BBC Iceland
Photo: jornada.com.mx

On the morning of December 11, the 161 meter long, 24935 dwt cargo vessel BBC Iceland (IMO: 9605906) allided with boardwalk in the port of Veracruz, Mexico. Strong northerly winds caused the BBC Iceland‘s bow mooring lines to break. The cargo vessel drifted until the bow struck the boardwalk and a small tour boat docked along the boardwalk. Authorities dispatched four tugs to slowly push back the cargo vessel to its berth. No reports of injuries.

Navigation was closed at the port of Veracruz as strong winds had reached gusts up to 110 kilometers per hour. Authorities stated there was only minor damage to the boardwalk and the BBC Iceland.