The Japan P&I Club informs about groundings that took place at Argentina’s main channel and their impacts on the “Paso Cortada Isla Nueva” channel in Parana River. The Navigational Authorities have established as main channel the “PASO CORTADA ISLA NUEVA”, which goes from 335 km to 345 km of the Parana River, replacing the previous one which was round the island. The Club says that three groundings took place at a very similar location in a short period of the time.
There are many speculations about the cause of the groundings. It appears that the channel has not been updated on the charts yet. In addition, these incidents have been caused by the little experience of the Pilots in relation to this new passage for ocean going vessels.
With the effect of minimizing the risks and enabling a safer navigation, it is proposed and agreed to increase the navigational aids (buoys) of Paso Cortada Isla Nueva with Side green buoy at three points.
Furthermore, the Club urges navigation vessels to sail cautiously and seek immediate instruction from CG’s traffic control through VHF prior passing through, if it’s necessary.
Further information may be found herebelow:
