Watch: General Cargo Ship Runs Aground, Partially Sinks Off Ecuador
Authorities are monitoring salvage of the general cargo ship Isla Bartolome that ran aground and partially sank off Isla Puna Island in Ecuador.
The accident occurred last week in the main shipping channel from the port of Guayaquil while the vessel was en route from Guayaquil to Galapagos Island.
Isla Bartolome, which was carrying 160 containers, met with the accident shortly after leaving the port, reports said.
The vessel started sinking when it got stuck in reef, suffering breaches of the hull which resulted in a massive water ingress.
However, fortunately, no injuries or water pollution were reported after the accident. Moreover, there was no dangerous cargo on board as the vessel was carrying only merchandise goods and foods.
Local authorities, along with coast guard and navy, initiated salvage operations immediately after the accident reported. The crew on board was reportedly evacuated as the vessel was in danger of capsizing.
A video uploaded by eluniversocom on You-tube showed the ongoing salvage operation off Isla Puna Island.
The vessel can be refloated only after patching the breaches of the hull and also after pumping out the water from the holds.
Built in 2013, the Isla Bartolome has overall length of 88.60 m, moulded beam of 15.20 m and maximum draft of 6.00 m. Operated by Ecuardor’s Transnave, the vessel features 3,818 DWT and the gross tonnage of 3,079 GRT.
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