On Wednesday an attempt to move the stranded ship failed.
According to a report in La Prensa Austral, on Tuesday, an emergency call was received through Magallanes Radio, from the 82m long general cargo ship the “Isla Tautil” reporting its stranding in the Sarmiento Channel in Patagonia, 253 kilometres from the provincial capital of Última Esperanza.
In addition to concerns for the safety of the crew, the call was alarming because of the risk that the ship might spill some two thousand tons of fish feed and 40,000 litres of oil into an area of ecological significance, the Kawésqar National Park.
The Chilean Maritime Authority immediately activated search and rescue and boats from the 3rd Naval Zone of Puerto Natales were promptly despatched to the scene of the stranding in the Sarmiento Channel on Tuesday.
Upon arrival, the situation was evaluated, and no water access, oily traces or compromise of the ship’s stability were observed, and the crew of the vessel was found with no further news. On Wednesday an attempt to move the stranded ship failed.
So far, no leaks have been reported.
