Two handysize bulkers have been damaged after a crash in the Parana River in Argentina.
The accident involving the 35,500-dwt ES Vanquish (built 2013) and 29,000-dwt Argenmar Mistral (built 2009) happened on Sunday night at kilometre 313.5 in Ramallo, Infobae reported.
The impact occurred in the middle of the navigation channel and was described as a “rub”, but damage to the superstructure of one of the vessels was shown in a photo from the scene.
No injuries were reported, but reports said other damage may be found below the waterline.
The 164-metre, Argentina-flagged Argenmar Mistral — owned by Argenmar of Argentina — was carrying 26,900 tonnes of urea and a crew of 24 southbound from Bahia Blanca to San Lorenzo.
The 178-metre ES Vanquish had a crew of 20 and was transporting 33,700 tonnes of corn northbound from San Lorenzo to Callao in Peru.
The Toyo Kaiun-owned, Panama-flagged ES Vanquish was being piloted by Mario Brusa, who informed naval authorities of the incident via radio.
Fernando Correa — the pilot on the Argenmar Mistral — also notified authorities.
Both ships were at anchor on Tuesday, and inspections were due to be carried out.
Both bulkers have insurance cover through Steamship Mutual in the UK.
The ES Vanquish has a clean port-state-control detention record, while the Argenmar Mistral has not been held since 2010.
