• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
The tugboat Atlantic Dama successfully refloated after running aground during a turning maneuver near the Port of San Antonio Este, Argentina. The incident resulted in no injuries or risks to the vessel, according to sources linked to the operation. The event occurred on the morning of Saturday, August 8, when the unit was operating at Berth 2 of the Ultramar Dock, as reported by the Argentine media outlet Informativo Hoy. For reasons that are now under investigation, the vessel came to rest on a sandbank, about 75 meters from the coast and outside the navigation channel. According to information gathered by the trans-Andean media, the San Antonio Oeste Coast Station of the Prefecture maintained permanent communication with the ship's captain, who reported that both the crew and passengers were in good health. It was also confirmed that the tugboat, registered under the flag of Argentina, remained resting on the sandy bottom, without listing and without presenting immediate risks to the safety of the vessel or the environment. Given the situation, the vessel remained awaiting the next high tide to attempt to free itself. Thus, around 5:20 PM on Saturday, August 8, it began refloating maneuvers, managing to free itself by its own means. Subsequently, it remained anchored in the inner roadstead and, around 8:00 PM, re-berthed at the dock. Throughout the emergency, the Argentine Naval Prefecture activated the maritime assistance protocol, maintaining permanent radio contact with the vessel and keeping the coast guard PNA Río Paraná on standby, in addition to personnel from the Prefectures of San Antonio Oeste and San Antonio Este, prepared to intervene if necessary. In parallel, the maritime authority initiated the corresponding administrative proceedings and rigorous technical inspections with the aim of determining the causes that led to the tugboat's grounding during the port maneuver. So far, no significant damage or impact on port operations has been reported. It is worth noting that the Atlantic Dama underwent an extensive overhaul process at the Río Paraná Sur Shipyard, from which it emerged in April of this year. At that time, the company highlighted the meticulous work of the team to optimize every detail of the vessel.
