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The Talcahuano Port Authority reported that it continues to monitor the status of the Manantial vessel, registered under the flag of Ecuador. The vessel, it should be noted, is under national arrest and anchored in front of Isla de los Reyes beach in Talcahuano.
This is because on Thursday, July 16, amidst the frontal system affecting the south-central zone of the country, various viral publications circulated with images of the vessel, claiming it was listing.
Given this situation, the Maritime Authority stated that "said information is incorrect. The vessel remains in its usual condition, without presenting a list or situations that represent a risk to navigation safety or the community."
"The Maritime Authority will continue to monitor the vessel and maintain permanent vigilance of the situation, taking appropriate measures in a timely manner if necessary," added the letter from the General Directorate of Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine.
"We reiterate the call to the community to get information through official channels and avoid spreading unverified information, as this can generate unnecessary concern and misinformation," emphasized the Chilean Navy's statement.
The Manantial has remained under arrest in national territory since 2019, as a result of a dispute between Ultramar and Mobbing Shipping, the latter being the owner of the vessel.
The controversy originated when the Chilean company reported non-compliance in the payment for towing services provided to the Ecuadorian vessel, which had suffered a breakdown while operating in Corral.
After the legal action, the Second Civil Court of Talcahuano ordered the retention of the ship. For security reasons, particularly due to adverse weather conditions, its transfer to the bay where it is currently anchored was authorized approximately seven years ago.
As a result, since September 2019, the Manantial - 100 meters long, 15.8 meters wide, and 27 years old - remains prohibited from sailing in compliance with the current judicial measure.
It is worth remembering that in August 2024, the Talcahuano Port Authority had to deploy the offshore tugboats Ritoque and Tal-Tal due to the emergency declared after the Manantial's anchor cable broke and it subsequently drifted.
Despite efforts, the assistance units were unable to establish a direct connection with the Ecuadorian vessel; however, they managed to guide its displacement "safely for a controlled grounding in the Los Reyes beach sector," as reported by the Maritime Authority approximately two years ago.
