Mercosul Santos
The 210 meter long, 35239 dwt container ship Mercosul Santos collided with a tug on the Amazon River near Obidios, Brasil. The Mercosul Santos was headed towards Manaus when it struck a tug that was pushing nine barges. One barge was cut in two and sank to the river bottom. Another barge was crushed and remain stuck on the bulbous bow of the Mercosul Santos.
Nine of the 11 crew who were on board the barges and tug were reported as missing and feared dead. Authorities requested divers from Santarem to search for the missing crew.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.