Squid Fishing Vessels Involved in Collision Arrive at Port
ARGENTINA
Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 01:00 (GMT + 9)
The squid fishing vessel Espadarte of the Profand Group arrives at Puerto Deseado, while the Oryong 756 enters the port of Mar del Plata following a collision in the fishing zone within the Argentine EEZ.
The Espadarte, the largest squid fishing vessel of the Profand Group, arrived in port with damage after a collision at sea. Federal justice has begun an investigation into the incident. The squid cargo was unloaded without reported injuries.
The incident occurred on March 21, when the Espadarte (Registration No. 02048) and the Oryong 756 (Registration No. 02092) collided while engaged in fishing operations off the coast of Rawson. At the time of the incident, the Espadarte was carrying 430 tons of squid, which was later offloaded without complications at berth 6 of the local port.
According to company representatives, the vessel sustained visible but superficial damage, which did not compromise its buoyancy. The Naval Prefecture confirmed that administrative proceedings were initiated immediately under the directive of the Federal Court of Rawson, and an official case file was opened
Photo: courtesy La 17.com
Upon docking, the Espadarte was placed under Prefectura Naval supervision. Authorities conducted a hull inspection and documented the external damage. The judicial investigation aims to establish responsibility for the incident, although it remains unclear whether improper maneuvers or communication failures contributed to the collision. The vessel's captain and several crew members have provided statements, with the prosecution emphasizing the confidentiality of testimonies.
Meanwhile, the crew of the Oryong 756 also gave their statements in Mar del Plata, where the vessel remains docked. Both ships were operating legally within the fishing zone, and according to witnesses, the collision was unexpected, occurring in calm seas with no adverse weather conditions.
The Espadarte, showing sheet metal cuts in the affected area. Photo: courtesy of La 17.com
Human Error Suspected, No Serious Consequences
Naval experts believe human error was the likely cause. A maritime technician consulted by La17.com noted, "The evidence suggests no serious consequences." Fortunately, no crew members were injured, and a company representative assured that "everyone is fine; it was just a scare."
The Espadarte managed to sail back to Puerto Deseado under its own power, without requiring towing or external assistance. Following the squid unloading, minor repairs began at the docking site. Damaged steel plates were removed, and technical reports confirmed that the vessel’s internal structure remained intact, with only external damage above the waterline. The company expects the vessel to resume operations within days, ensuring continuity in the squid fishing campaign.
Foto: gentileza La 17.com
Fishing Fleet Continues Operations
Despite the incident, the squid-jigging fleet remains active in national waters, reporting good catch levels. The Espadarte aims to return to service shortly, while the legal case remains open at the Federal Court of Rawson. A joint forensic examination involving independent naval experts has not been ruled out.
While such incidents are rare, they highlight the need for strict coordination among vessels, especially in high-density fishing zones.
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