Australis Seafoods has issued a statement following the sinking of the “Heimdall” wellboat last week, which ran aground near the exit of the strait of Magellan.
“Given the tightness of the ponds, without recirculating systems operating, and the time that has already passed since the incident, there is no possibility that the fish will remain alive,” the company said.
The statement confirms the loss of the shipment, equivalent to 24,000 units of salmon, estimated to be worth nearly €1.9 million.
Read also: Clean up begins after wellboat carrying 180 tons of salmon sinks near Chile
Following the incident, authorities in Chile demanded the swift removal of the salmon from the wellboat to ensure minimal risk to the surrounding environment. The incident happened around 195 kilometres west of Punta Arenas, near Tamar Island, Chile.
A clean up operation has begun in the area, with the company that operated the “Heimdall,” Detroit Chile, having deployed a second wellboat, “Var”, to assist in the recovery of the salmon prior to the reflecting and removal of the vessel.
Read also: Authorities demand urgent clean up after wellboat filled with 180 tons of salmon sinks
At around 5pm on Monday, officials started the removal process, where it will be taken to the National Fisheries Service (Sernapesca) before being disposed of, according to Chilean outlet Ovejero Noticias.
The Chilean Navy has been on site since the vessel sunk to ensure that the incident does not contaminate the environment. After examining the sunken wellboat, the navy stated that there is no risk the dead fish or fuel will contaminate the surrounding water.
