MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands allows return of abandoned Argentine yacht rescued in Islands waters last October

“La Sanmartiniana” was discovered abandoned and adrift in the Falklands waters by Fisheries Protection Patrol Protegat and towed to Stanley.

The Argentine flagged yacht “La Sanmartiniana” which was rescued in October 2015 while abandoned and adrift, by a Falkland Islands Fisheries Protection Vessel and towed to Stanley, where it has remained since waiting for claimants, has finally been released, after the Argentine group FIPCA complied with all the formalities for its recovery.

 However, according to a Falkland Islands Government release, the Interactive Foundation to Promote the Culture of Water, (FIPCA) must still comply with the last step which is to pay to the Receiver of the Wrecks for all costs and expenses generated by the rescue and custody of “La Sanmartiniana”.

The release points out that on request of the Receiver of Wreck, FIPCA provided official documents, properly authenticated, and demonstrating that the title of the vessel was held by FIPCA. The Argentine owners FIPCA were notified of costs which would need to be paid before the vessel can be released to the owners.

Three FIPCA representatives visited the Falklands from 10 to 16 July 2016 in order to assess the vessel’s condition and make the necessary plans to effect vital repairs to enable the vessel to return to Argentina at a later date which is yet to be determined.

The Falklands Government Summary Report and Update in Respect of Derelict of Derelict Argentine Yacht that was Found Abandoned in FOCZ on 07 October 2015 follows.

“On Wednesday 07 October 2015 the FPV ‘Protegat’ picked up an unidentified radar target in the south of the FOCZ. Closer investigation resulted in the discovery of what appeared to be an abandoned Argentine registered yacht ‘FIPCA - La Sanmartiniana’, Official Number REY 014788.

”The Argentine media had previously reported that the yacht was abandoned and had possibly sunk on 17th September 2015 in the vicinity of Isla de Los Estados (Argentina). The yacht had reportedly suffered damage in bad weather conditions and also mechanical problems. The nine crew members had been safely transferred to a fishing vessel.

“In order to avoid any hazard to navigation and maritime activities, it was decided that the FPV ‘Protegat’ should take the vessel under tow and transfer it to Stanley. The vessel arrived on 9th October 2015, was secured and, in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, was taken into the possession of the Receiver of Wrecks.

”In accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, the Receiver of Wreck issued a Notice on 11th October 2015 stating that the vessel was in his custody and that any person or entity who wished to claim ownership thereof must do so in writing within one year.

”A claim of ownership letter was received on 22nd December 2015 from the secretary of the Fundación Interactiva para Promover la Cultura del Agua (FIPCA), Argentina. On the request of the Receiver of Wreck FIPCA provided official documents, properly authenticated, and demonstrating that the title of the vessel was held by FIPCA, which has been accepted as genuine by the Receiver of Wreck.

“In a meeting of Executive Council of 29 June 2016, a schedule of actual and estimated future costs and associated expenses in respect of the mooring and safeguarding of the vessel was approved. FIPCA were notified of costs which would need to be paid before the vessel can be released to the owners.

”Three FIPCA representatives visited the Islands from 10 to 16 July 2016 in order to assess the vessel’s condition and make the necessary plans to effect vital repairs to enable the vessel to return to Argentina at a later date which is yet to be determined”.