Emergency in the Rio de la Plata: a barge is rescued after the Papu Mar tugboat sank - Data Portuaria | 23/04/25

On 17 April, the Paraguayan tug Papu Mar sank at kilometre 77 of the Punta Indio Channel on the Rio de la Plata while towing barge 240-4 with 140 containers. Although there were no injuries, the barge became entangled with the sunken tug, creating a critical situation. The company RN Salvamento, contracted by the shipowners, deployed a rescue operation that included the tugboats Ona Don Lorenzo and Ona Triunfo, facing adverse weather conditions. Finally, they managed to free and tow the barge to the port of Buenos Aires without damage or loss of cargo. Permits are currently being arranged to refloat the Papu Mar and remove it from the channel. This incident highlights the importance of effective emergency protocols and smooth coordination between private operators and river authorities on strategic routes such as the Punta Indio Channel. Link