MV Ushuaia Situation Report Dec 16 2008 (1500UTC)

IAATO Update issued at 1500 UTC, 16 December, 2008
Incident involving the M/V Ushuaia
December 4, 2008
Update at 1500 UTC, 16 December, 2008
The MV Ushuaia has successfully crossed the Drake Passage and arrived at the Magellan Strait/
Possession Bay Pilot Station at 2100UTC / 1800LT December 15.
Having waited for several days in the sheltered waters of Half Moon Island in the South Shetlands
for suitable weather conditions, the vessel’s operators received permission to proceed Friday
evening, December 12, and began the crossing the following morning. Also on the northbound
crossing were IAATO-member vessels Akademik Ioffe of Quark Expeditions and the National
Geographic Explorer of Lindblad Expeditions. Radio communication between the MV Ushuaia
and these other passenger vessels, as well as the Chilean Navy, was made every two hours
during the transit. In addition, on December 14, the Argentine naval vessel Aviso Castillo made a
visual inspection of the MV Ushuaia, looking for leaking fuel. No additional spillage was seen or
reported during this rendezvous.
The MV Ushuaia waited at Pilot Station/Possession Bay for another underwater inspection
scheduled for Tuesday morning during daylight hours. After the inspection, the MV Ushuaia will
enter dry dock in Punta Arenas, tentatively on December 16. Antarpply Expeditions, operator of
the vessel, expects the repair work to be finished soon and is doing its utmost to get MV Ushuaia
back in operation on December 28, otherwise latest for the January 7 voyage. The January,
February and March voyages will operate as scheduled.
Update at 2100 UTC, 9 December, 2008
At 2245 UTC / 1945 LT on December 8, the Chilean Naval Vessel Lautaro and MV Ushuaia
sailed into Leith Cove, in the NE part of Paradise Harbor, to anchor in its sheltered waters to
allow Navy divers to inspect the hull. As the cove was full of ice, both vessels moved to another
anchorage off Presidente Gonzalez Videla Station (Chile), This site is also known as Waterboat
Point. There, divers from the Lautaro completed an inspection of the damage to the hull.
According to the reports of the divers, the ship’s hull was in a good condition; the damage found
would not affect either the vessel’s navigability or the environment. It also is believed that the fuel
remaining in the punctured tanks is sufficiently buffered by seawater, which had entered the tanks
early in the grounding, to not leak any further. Indeed, no further oil residue has been seen on the
water surface by naval observers. At 0340 UTC / 0040 LT on 9 December, the captain of the
Lautaro informed the captain of MV Ushuaia that he had received the order to release the MV
Ushuaia from MRCC in Punta Arenas.
At 0345UTC / 0045LT, the MV Ushuaia weighed anchor, and by 0400/0100LT had moved into
the Gerlache Strait. At 0430UTC / 0130LT, the captain of the MV Ushuaia received the order from
the vessel owners to sail towards the South Shetland Islands to find a safe anchorage there and
await further orders regarding the Drake Passage crossing. The vessel is currently making good
progress towards an anchorage at Half Moon Island, weather permitting. A watch is being
maintained for any further fuel spillage during the passage and when the vessel arrives at the
anchorage in the South Shetlands.
IAATO Update, December 16, 2008 1500 GMT
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Update at 1400 UTC, 8 December, 2008
On the afternoon of 7 December, the crew of the MV Ushuaia and the crew of the Chilean Naval
Tug Lautaro started to transfer 120 cm of diesel from MV Ushuaia to storage tanks of the Lautaro
and 100cm of fresh water was discharged into the sea. This was done to improve the buoyancy
of the MV Ushuaia. Transferring fuel off the vessel also reduced the potential for additional
spillage should anything go wrong with the refloating.
Efforts to refloat the vessel began at high tide (approximately 0400UTC/0100LT). The vessel was
fully free at 0545UTC/0245LT. Escorted by Lautaro, MV Ushuaia is making her way under her
own steam towards Paradise Bay. No oil has been seen leaking from the vessel while underway;
however, this could be due to wind and wave action causing any fuel leaked to be rapidly
dispersed. To minimize any further oil spill, fuel from the damaged tanks is being transferred into
tanks that are not compromised. Once the MV Ushuaia is in the relatively sheltered waters of
Paradise Bay, a further inspection of the hull will take place.
The passenger vessels MV Ocean Nova and MV Polar Star were also in the vicinity during the
refloating and ready to provide additional assistance if required.
The passengers of the MV Ushuaia, having been flown to the port city of Ushuaia on Saturday,
December 6, had a final day of activities in Tierra del Fuego National Park yesterday and a
farewell gathering last night before starting their journeys homewards today.
Update at 2200 UTC, 6 December, 2008
At 1130 UTC/ 0830 LT the first group of 39 passengers and 3 staff started disembarking from the
Aquiles1 at Eduardo Frei Station (Chile), Maxwell Bay, King George Island. There they boarded
the Argentine C-130 Hercules aircraft that delivered them safely back to the city of Ushuaia,
Tierra del Fuego. The plane arrived into Ushuaia at 1530 UTC/ 1230LT and the group was given
a warm welcome back to “dry land.” Those passengers reported the excellent hospitality onboard
the Chilean Naval vessel Aquiles and gave their thanks for everyone involved in their safe
repatriation. The operator of MV Ushuaia, Antarpply Expeditions, has made arrangements for the
passengersʼ full board accommodation in Ushuaia for two nights and excursions, on 8 December
– the day the cruise was due to finish - they will continue with their original onward plans.
The Argentine C-130 Hercules aircraft then returned to King George Island to pick up the
remaining 43 passengers and 2 staff, and they arrived safely into Ushuaia at 2120UTC / 1820LT.
Regarding the MV Ushuaia, the Chilean Naval Tug Lautaro completed an inspection of the
vessel, including sending divers to establish the extent of the damage. The propellers and
rudders remain undamaged. A plan to refloat the vessel is being developed.
Argentina sent a second flight to assess the oil spilling from the vessel on Friday 5th December.
Visual reports still indicate a spill in the vicinity of the vessel of c. 50 x 500m. The wind continues
to disperse the oil in the direction away from the two closest wildlife sites and towards more open
water.
1
Correction: the previously used spelling of Chilean Naval vessel used to transfer passenger Achiles was incorrect. The correct name
of the vessel is Aquiles.
IAATO Update, December 16, 2008 1500 GMT
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Image from the first over flight of the vessel by Argentine aircraft P-3B Orion with Anna Cove
behind. Image courtesy of Argentine Navy
Image of MV Ushuaia from the first over flight of the vessel by Argentine aircraft P-3B Orion.
Image courtesy of Argentine Navy
IAATO Update, December 16, 2008 1500 GMT
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MV Ushuaia with oil slick to the port bow of the vessel from the second over flight by Argentine
aircraft P-3B Orion. Image courtesy of Argentine Navy
Update at 1430 UTC, 5 December, 2008
At 0530 LT / 0830 UTC all passengers, 5 staff and their luggage were transferred from the MV
Ushuaia to the Chilean Naval Vessel Achiles, using Zodiac landing craft from the MV Ushuaia
and the MV Antarctic Dream. An additional Zodiac landing craft from the Achiles with a rescue
team and a diver was also on standby. The crew of the MV Ushuaia plus two staff of Antarpply
Expeditions, the operator of the MV Ushuaia, remain aboard the grounded vessel.
The passengers are settled in their new accommodation and were very appreciative of the
welcome and breakfast that the crew of the Achiles greeted them with. At 0930 LT / 1230UTC the
Achiles left the vicinity of the MV Ushuaia and is now underway towards Eduardo Frei Station
(Chile), Maxwell Bay, King George Island.
A Hercules aircraft has been arranged through the Dirección Nacional del Antártico (Argentina)
and currently en route to Rio Gallegos in southern Argentina. Weather permitting, all passengers
and the five staff will fly tomorrow to the city of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
With respect to the MV Ushuaia, the Chilean Naval Tug Lautaro is now arrived at the site of the
MV Ushuaia and options are being assessed to refloat the vessel. Wind conditions in the area
remain WSW 20-25 knots). The propellers and rudder were not damaged in the grounding and
the main engine is working.
The report back from Argentine aircraft P-3B Orion which overflew the site at 2000UTC could not
discern any oil spill at the site. In addition a satellite image of the area provided by the UK through
PolarView (www.polarview.aq) shows no sea ice and no indication of an oil spill in the area (see
below).
IAATO Update, December 16, 2008 1500 GMT
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The vessel continues to report occasional leakage, extending an estimated 50m by 300m. The
boom remains deployed but is compromised by the sea conditions. So far, the wind conditions
are effectively dispersing the MGO in a northerly direction away from both Anna Cove and Delaite
Island.
Previous Information: Situation at 2000 UTC, December 4, 2008
Incident Details:
Vessel: MV Ushuaia
Date: 04 December, 2008
Location: 64º35.5S 062 º25`W
Time: 1300UTC / 1000 Local Time
On 04 December, 2008, MV Ushuaia grounded at position 64º35.5S 062 º25`W, at the entrance
of Wilhelmina Bay, near Cape Anna. An initial assessment of damage indicated that while there
was no imminent danger and no threat to life, it would be precautionary to transfer passengers to
another vessel before trying to refloat the MV Ushuaia. Captain Jorge Aldegheri of the MV
Ushuaia contacted the closest vessel, MV Antarctic Dream, which was 7NM away to come to
their assistance. The relevant Marine Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCCs) were also duly
informed: MRCC Ushuaia (Argentina) is coordinating with MRCC Punta Arenas (Chile).
Currently the situation remains stable. The Antarctic Dream is standing by at the site ready to
assist if conditions change and other passenger vessels in the area including National
Geographic Explorer, Grigory Mikheev, Professor Multanovskiy, Ocean Nova, Polar Star and
Polar Pioneer are all in contact with the MV Ushuaia and ready to assist if required. The Chilean
Naval vessel Achiles and Chilean Naval Tug Lautaro are en route to the scene to offer further
assistance. The current intention is for the passengers of the MV Ushuaia to board the Chilean
Naval vessel Achiles tomorrow morning to start their repatriation.
Onboard MV Ushuaia are:
82 passengers and 40 crew, including shipʼs staff, comprising:
Nationalities passengers: Belgian 1, British 7, Irish 2, German 9, French 2, Italian 3, Swiss 5,
USA 12, New Zealand 1, Australian 11, Chinese 6, Dutch 14, Spanish 6, Canadian 2, Cyprus 1.
Nationalities staff and crew: Argentinean 28, Uruguayan 3, Spanish 1, Chilean 8
Weather conditions at the site are currently W/SW 20-25 knots, expected to continue WSW 15-20
knots, locally variable.
Possible Environmental Impacts
Two diesel tanks were punctured and/or damaged (tank Nr.4 port side, and Nr.5 center), and
spilled MGO. This is very light oil which is prone to dispersing easily and quickly. The total
quantity in both tanks are Nr.4 port side = 18 m3, Nr.5 centre = 27m3. It is understood that only a
small amount of leakage has taken place before the flooding seawater sealed the tank. An oil spill
barrier has been deployed. It is expected that the wind conditions will help disperse what oil
spilled minimising any environmental impact. The Argentine aircraft P-3B Orion will over fly the
site at 2000UTC to evaluate the oil spill.
The closest wildlife colonies are a small chinstrap penguin colony (estimated 25 breeding pairs)
at located 6.6NM NE from the site on Delaite Island and a colony of approximately. 66 pairs of
IAATO Update, December 16, 2008 1500 GMT
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blue eyed shags in Anna Cove, 0.5 NM SW of the site, the passenger vessels in the area will
keep a watch over these two sites.
Once action has been taken to re-float the vessel, all IAATO vessels passing the area 64º35.5S
062 º25`W will be requested to monitor and report any pollution in the area and adjacent sites.
This request will remain in place for the duration of the season.
Contact Information:
Antarpply Expeditions
www.antarpply.com
(Ushuaia, Argentina, Time Zone: GMT -3).
Antarpply Expeditions
Gobernador Paz 633, 1 piso
9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Telephone: +54-2901-433636
Fax: +54-2901-437728
Ute Hohn-Bowen
Mobile: +54-9-2901-616194
Captain Gustavo Martinez, President
Mobile: +54-9-2901-616193
info@antarpply.com
Antarpply Expeditions has been an IAATO Member since 2005. Their vessel, the M/V Ushuaia
began offering tourist trips in Antarctica in 2002. Captain Jorge Aldegheri has worked for the past
6 Antarctic seasons as Master of the MV Ushuaia.
Antarpply Expeditions is permitted to travel to Antarctica by the Argentine Government, through
Dirección Nacional del Antártico, Cerrito 1248 C1010AAZ, Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA
Antarpply Expeditions and M/V Ushuaia Statistics
Capacity: 84 passengers, 38 crew, 6 expedition staff
Length: 84.73 meters
Width: 15.5 meters
Draft: 4.89 meters
Gross Tons: 2923
Ice Class rating: ICE4, IRS Notation
Registry (flag state): Panama
Classification Society: International Register of Shipping
Year Built: 1970, for National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Owners: The Ushuaia Adventure Corporation
About IAATO
Contact Information:
Steve Wellmeier, IAATO Executive Director
179 Wayland Ave.
Providence, RI, 02906 USA
Phone: +1-401-272-2152
IAATO is a member organization founded in 1991 to advocate, promote and practice safe and
environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. IAATO currently has 106
IAATO Update, December 16, 2008 1500 GMT
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members. IAATO Members work together to develop, adopt and implement operational
standards that mitigate potential environmental impacts. Numerous guidelines have been
adopted over the last 18 years that have proven to be successful methods in avoiding such
impacts. These include but are not limited to: site specific guidelines, site selection criteria,
passenger to staff ratios, limiting numbers of passengers ashore, boot washing guidelines and
the prevention of the transmission of alien organisms, wilderness etiquette, garbage policy, ship
scheduling and vessel communication procedures, emergency medical evacuation procedures,
emergency contingency plans, reporting procedures, marine wildlife watching guidelines, station
visitation policies and more.
In addition IAATO members agreed several years ago regarding an emergency contingency plan
to ensure safety of passengers and crew. These procedures were followed during this incident.
For Tourism Trends and Company Information, see:
ATCM XXXI IP85 Overview of Tourism http://www.iaato.org/info.html
Tourism Statistics: http://www.iaato.org/tourism_stats.html
IAATO will continue to work closely with Antarpply Expeditions, the relevant MRCCs and all
vessels to monitor the situation.
IAATO Update, December 16, 2008 1500 GMT
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PolarView satellite image of the grounding site acquired this morning (5th December 2008) at
03:46 UTC. The green star shows the location of the grounding. Image courtesy of
UKFCO/BAS.
IAATO Update, December 16, 2008 1500 GMT
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