Thousands of salmon die after wellboat sinks in Chile
Thousands of salmon being transported by a wellboat that ran aground and partially sank in Chile have died, an inspection has confirmed.
The Heimdall, owned by wellboat operator Detroit, grounded in the vicinity of Tamar Island, near the western exit of the Strait of Magellan and about 195 kilometres west of Punta Arenas.
The vessel had been en route from Australis Seafoods’ Punta Ramón site, where it had loaded around 24,000 fish.
Chilean Navy divers confirmed the fish had died, and that there was no immediate risk of contaminating the marine environment.
Mortality removal
Detroit has been ordered to remove the salmon quickly, and has sent another wellboat, the Var, from Puerto Montt to carry out the transfer. Work is due to start at 6pm local time today.
Once the salmon are removed, fuel will be extracted from the Heimdall’s tanks before it is re-floated and towed to port.
The 13 crew of the wellboat were unharmed when the vessel grounded. Some have been taken to Puerto Natales, while others remained at the site to support the work that must be done.
