MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Tug to the rescue of Chilean fishing vessel adrift in Pacific Ocean

Fishing vessel <i>Antartic Bay</i><br>Photo: Chilean Navy

A high-seas tug left Punta Arenas on Thursday to the rescue of the Chilean flagged fishing vessel Antarctic Bay which has gone adrift after the engine broke down, according to naval authorities in the extreme south of Chile.

Antarctic Bayregistry CB-9738 and with a crew of 35 was reported adrift 240 kilometers to the south west of Punta Arenas in the Pacific Ocean. The first distress calls were received by Radio Magallanes at 04:15 in the morning. In spite of having no energy on board the crew is safe and sound, and have kept calm so far, reported Punta Arenas authorities. Antarctic Sea Fisheries S.A. owners of the vessel in distress contracted the high seas tug Calafate belonging to Ultramar company to sail to the rescue of Antarctic Bay. The tug was expected to reach the drifting vessel late Thursday or mid night Friday depending on weather conditions. Early in the morning a Chilean Navy aircraft over flew the area to check the weather and the exact position and conditions of the vessel. The Antarctic Bayoperating communications on batteries every hour reports its position and weather conditions.