The Maltese-flagged bulk carrier LA CHESNAIS ran aground while transiting the Parana River in Argentina, in the morning hours of 21 June, in an incident believed to relate to the historic low water levels of the waterway.
At the time of the incident, the French ship was loaded, bound for Chile. AIS data as of 23 June show the vessel is still grounded near Ramallo, with three vessels assisting in refloating operations.
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Low waters in Parana River are a regularly seen problem for ships, especially in the last year. This is why specific warnings by the Argentine Coast Guard recommend Masters to discuss their navigational plan with the pilots before proceeding, as well as providing all necessary information related to ship’s manoeuvrability, and always obtain information from the pilots on the relevant regulation within the area to be transited, while bearing in mind, at all times, the ship’s squat effect in restricted waters.
The Coast Guard has also stressed the importance of complying with the daily maximum permissible sailing draft and the mandatory UKC of 0.6 meters that should be kept at all times.
