Collision on Rio Paraná
On December 13, the 176 meter long chemical tanker Ghetty Bottiglieri collided with the 180 meter long bulk carrier Octbreeze Island at the 285 kilometer mark on the Paraná River off San Pedro, Argentina. The Octbreeze Island was heading down the river when it was struck in it’s port side by the bow of the Ghetty Bottiglieri. The Octbreeze Island suffered a 5 to 6 meter gash in its hull resulting in its fuel tanks being punctured. The bulk carrier had severe flooding and developed a list, but was not in danger of sinking. A large oil slick formed downstream from the bulk carrier which was partially contained later by booms placed by authorities. The Ghetty Bottiglieri sustained damage to its bow. No reports of injuries on either vessel. Both vessels dropped anchor near the area of the collision. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Local reports state the vessels were in a severe storm at the time of the collision.
