Paraná River Collision
On August 28, the 180 meter long, 34,467 dwt bulk carrier Obahan C (IMO: 9748253) collided with the 180 meter long, 42,904 dwt bulk carrier Nord Singapore (IMO: 9913535) on the Parana River near the 337 kilometer mark near Ramallo, Argentina. The Obahan C had departed from San Lorenzo bound for Cameroon with some 15,000 tons of soybeans when it approached the Nord Singapore was approaching upstream in ballast bound for San Lorenzo to load 31,000 tons of corn for Malaysia. The two bulk carriers failed to signal and confirm a pass port to port and the Nord Singapore struck the Obahan C. The Obahan C had hull damage on its port side above the waterline and one of its lifeboat partially crushed. The Nord Singapore also sustained some hull damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
Both vessels were detained and ordered to nearby anchorages off Ramallo. Argentine authorities have dispatched patrol vessels to inspect and damage and ensure navigation on the Paraná River is safe. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports do state there were pilots on board both vessels at the time of the collision.
