On 23rd Feb, the cargo ship Isla Bartolomé reportedly ran aground at coast of Isla Puna Island in Ecuador. After going aground she took on a severe list to starboard.
The vessel was headed outbound for the Galapagos Islands with 160 containers of merchandise goods and perishable foods, when the incident happened.
The freighter stuck in reef and suffered breaches of the hull, followed by massive water ingress and partial submerging.
The accident was reported to the local authorities, coast guard and navy, who initiated salvage operations, sending at the scene tugs and rescue boats. The crew was evacuated from the cargo ship due to immediate danger of capsizing. The condition of the vessel is serious and before refloating, the holes should be patched and water from the holds to be pumped out.
The local authorities initiated investigation for the root cause of the accident. The situation around grounding is unclear, as it happened either due to technical failure or human mistake. There are no reports for oil leak or water pollution. There was no dangerous cargo on board, as the containers were loaded with merchandise goods and foods.
The Bartolomé is owned and operated by Ecuador’s state shipping company, Transnave, and she is one of three vessels on a rotation to the Galapagos. According to Transnave, container service to the islands only began in 2015; before that, all goods were shipped as breakbulk cargo.
Did you subscribe for our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: El Comercio
