The Sumatra: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The bulk carrier 'Sumatra' remains at its emergency anchorage near Wallace Islet in Angostura Inglesa, approximately 800 kilometers north of Punta Arenas, following its grounding on June 28. The vessel's salvage operations are underway, with support from the tug 'Beagle', the oceanic patrol boat 'Marinero Fuentealba', the general service patrol 'Puerto Natales', and the speedboat 'LSR 4431'. In a proactive measure to prevent environmental hazards, oil booms have been deployed to contain any potential oil spillage. The maritime authorities have allowed the reopening of the channel, enabling the flow of maritime traffic and supporting local farming activities. A second tug is anticipated to arrive on July 3, with plans to tow the 'Sumatra' to a safer anchorage where necessary repairs can be conducted, facilitating its journey to a port for comprehensive repairs. Meanwhile, the Maritime Prosecutor has initiated an investigation to determine the causes behind this incident. For more updates and visuals, check the Spanish reports here: http://elpinguino.com/noticia/2018/07/02/investigan-encallamiento-de-nave-portuguesa and https://www.mundomaritimo.cl/noticias/tercera-zona-naval-apoyo-a-buque-portugues-en-una-emergencia-al-sur-de-punta-arenas.

On July 2, the bulk carrier 'Sumatra' remained anchored at coordinates 48° 59.24' S 074° 25.50' W, as it awaited a second tugboat to facilitate its relocation to a secure anchorage, ensuring that it would not obstruct maritime traffic. This situation arose after the vessel made contact with the seabed of the Canal Messier, located in the Chilean Magellan region, on June 28 while traveling south from Lirquen to Punta Arenas, reported at position 48° 12' S 074° 25' W. Following this incident, the 'Sumatra' was securely moored to the north of Puerto Eden for a comprehensive inspection.

On June 28, 2018, at 2:30 PM local time, the bulk carrier 'Sumatra,' carrying a crew of 21 members, experienced a bottom touch in the waters close to Puerto Eden, particularly near Angostura Inglesa. Following this unexpected incident, the vessel was ordered to anchor at position 48° 58.79' S, 074° 25.05' W, approximately 800 kilometers north of Punta Arenas, in the Isla Medio Canal vicinity. A patrol boat stationed in Puerto Eden promptly responded to the emergency situation, alongside additional support vessels 'Puerto Natales' and 'Marinero Fuentealba,' which were dispatched with an expected arrival date of June 29. As the bulk carrier remained anchored, it awaited navigational assistance to reach a safer location. In response to the incident, the Navy initiated an investigation to ascertain the underlying causes. The 'Sumatra' had set sail from Lirquen on June 25 at 1:30 AM, en route to Recalada. For a Spanish report and accompanying photo, visit the following link: http://elmagallanico.com/2018/06/buque-portugues-sufre-emergencia-en-aguas-magallanicas