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Tag: Chile

Lago Icalma

Lago Icalma

Lago Icalma
Photo: twitter

On April 25, the 62 meter long, 1563 dwt cargo vessel Lago Icalma allided with the barge Rano Aroi II in Hanga Roa Bay, Easter Island. The Lago Icalma was at anchor when the barge Rano Aroi II arrived on scene to begin lightering operations.  The barge struck the against the Lago Icalma breaching the hull and rupturing a fuel tank. Diesel fuel was released into the water.  Local authorities arrived on scene and placed booms around the hull, but some pollution washed ashore.  Reports state absorbent materials were used to collect most of the diesel fuel from the shoreline.   The crew of the Lago Icalma transferred fuel from the damaged tank and was able to seal the breach.  No reports of injuries.

Seikongen

Seikongen

seikongen
Photo: aqua.cl

On October 18, the 69.5 meter long, 2494 dwt fish carrier Seikongen capsized and sank near Puerto Montt, Chile. The Seikongen loaded with 200 kilos of salmon bound for Chonchi when it suffered water ingress in the bow.  Even though the Seikongen was nearly brand new, the fish carrier’s pumps were unable to control the flooding.  To avoid sinking, the master of the Seikongen changed course for the closest shallow water.  The Seikongen was able to run aground and it looked if the vessel would avoid sinking. However, the flooding continued causing the vessel to lose stability and develop a list to starboard.  A short time later the vessel rolled over onto its side and sank just below the surface.

Reports state the 11 crew on board the Seikongen were safely evacuated before the vessel sank.  Authorities deployed booms around the wreck in hopes to contain any pollution released. The Seikongen had some 67,000 litres of fuel on board at the time. Chilean Navy divers have inspected the hull and report no fuel leaks.  Authorities have also stated the cargo of 37,000 salmon have most likely perished in the holds and would be left in the sealed holds to avoid damaging the environment.

The owners of the Seikongen are coordinating salvage efforts with Chilean authorities. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Aegir

Aegir

Aegir
Photo: eldivisadero.cl

On April 18, the 63 meter long, 1300 dwt cargo vessel Aegir ran aground near  Isla  Humos, Chile. The vessel was en route to Punta Arenas with a cargo of fish food when it suffered damage while transiting the Chacabuco canal. The Aegir sustained hull damage and suffered water ingress. Unable to control the flooding, the cargo vessel was driven aground to avoid it sinking. No reports of injuries to the 12 crew on board.

Authorities dispatched several patrol boats to the scene.  Steps were taken to contain any pollution released. Reports state no oil pollution had been released.