Chilean Navy rescues Brazilian vessel after a breakdown in the Drake Passage

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The ocean patrol vessel OPV-83 Marinero Fuentealba and the oceanographic research vessel AGS-61 Cabo de Hornos of the Chilean Navy participated in rescuing the oceanographic support vessel Ary Rongel (H44) of the Brazilian Navy after suffering a flood in the engine room while crossing the Drake Passage to Antarctica.

The Brazilian Navy ship participated in the 40th Antarctic Operation (Operantar XL). It transported material to the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station (EACF) located on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands.

According to Argentine and Brazilian media, the unit issued a distress call in the early morning of February 19. It was received by the Argentine Rescue Coordination Center, which sent the ARA Estrecho de San Carlos (A-22).

Faced with this situation, the Chilean Navy deployed the OPV-83 Marinero Fuentealba of the Third Naval Zone, operating near the Diego Ramirez Islands, about 100 km southwest of Cape Horn, and the oceanographic research vessel AGS-61 Cabo de Hornos.

The crew of the Ary Rongel temporarily resolved the engine room emergency and returned escorted by these units to the Chilean port of Punta Arenas, arriving there on Wednesday, February 23, where an overhaul will be carried out to avoid a new incident.