MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Uruguayan trawler feared lost in Falkland Islands
The small Uruguayan trawler Holberg, which for a number of seasons has been conducting an experimental fishery for scallops (vieiras) around the Falkland Islands, was reported today, Monday, to be still above water after an incident Sunday when it was feared she would capsize.
The vessel was fishing in Port Purvis, a large natural harbour to the North East of West Falklands, one of the two principal islands of the Falklands group, when, reportedly, it grounded on the southern shore of the harbour on a falling tide. (It is worth noting that being close to full moon, the tide was very low and that Port Purvis is rarely visited by shipping, as it serves no immediate settlement.)
According to a report given to Falklands Radio by Fisheries Department Observer, Mick Hattersley, who was present on Holberg at the time, the ship resisted attempts to refloat her and with the tide still falling began to develop a list to starboard. At this point, the crew prepared to abandon the vessel should the need arise.
There being no immediate sign of any damage as a result of this collision and the situation appearing stable, the decision was made to wait till the tide rose later in the afternoon, with the expectation that the vessel would float off.
As the tide rose, the vessel began to right itself, but then after a few minutes, with the tide still rising, developed a much more severe list to port. This was described by Hattersley as "going within two movements straight from starboard to being almost flat on its port side".
At this point the captain had no alternative but to put out an emergency call. This message was picked up by the Falkland Islands Government Fishery Patrol Vessel, Dorada, at around 6.30 pm and later relayed to the emergency services.
The crew of thirty-one, including a Falkland Islands Government Fisheries Observer abandoned the ship in life rafts and reached the shore about 200 m away. From here a Sea King helicopter of the Royal Air Force transferred them to Mount Pleasant Airport, where a bus was waiting to take them to the Islands' capital, Stanley.
Apart from a small number with minor injuries sustained when the ship rolled, who received treatment at the King Edward Memorial Hospital in Stanley, all the crew are reported to be in good health.
Speaking to MercoPress on Monday afternoon, Falklands Director of Fisheries, John Barton said that the vessel did not appear to present an immediate risk to the environment. A surveillance flight had been undertaken earlier in the day, involving the Government's Marine Officer, the Environmental Planning Officer and the Director of Falklands Conservation. According to their observations, the vessel was lying on its side, resting on the bottom and partially submerged, but still intact, with no signs of leakage of oil.
Mr. Barton said that interviews were currently being conducted with the crew to determine how much gas oil the vessel might have been carrying. On the basis of this information, efforts would be made to minimise the risk of any future contamination, which might occur should the vessel break up.
John Fowler (Mercopress) Stanley
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesCommenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!