Working Conditions Aboard the Betanzos

In a remarkable display of maritime cooperation, the ARA 'Bahía Agradable' (IMO: 701831000) came to the rescue of the 'Betanzos' on March 13, 2025, following a distress signal from the Petrel Maritime Rescue Coordination Center. The 'Betanzos' had suffered severe damage and was forced to anchor off the coast of Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands after a complete loss of propulsion. Initially involved in the Combined Naval Antarctic Patrol, the ARA 'Bahía Agradable' was tasked with towing the damaged vessel to a safer location. On the morning of March 14, despite facing challenging weather conditions, the logistics ship made its approach. A careful assessment of the safest towing route was conducted, leading to the decision to maneuver around Livingston Island to the west before heading through the Fleet Sea towards Discovery Bay, known for its more favorable conditions. The operation covered a distance of 130 nautical miles and took a full 24 hours to complete. During the towing journey, the crew of the 'Bahía Agradable' encountered numerous hazards including icebergs, loose debris, poor visibility, and towering waves that exceeded three meters in height. Despite these difficult circumstances, the Argentine naval forces successfully concluded the towing operation. The 'Betanzos' was securely moored at coordinates 62° 29' N 059° 42' W on March 15, where it has remained stationary as of March 20. This successful mission highlights the commitment to safety and cooperation in the challenging maritime environment of Antarctica. For further insights and visuals, please visit the full report [here](https://www.eldiariodelfindelmundo.com/noticias/2025/03/20/110245-la-armada-argentina-asistio-a-buque-chileno).

On December 6, 2021, a tragic incident unfolded aboard the cargo vessel 'Betanzos' at the Prat dock in Punta Arenas. Shortly after the ship set sail, a crew member suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest. As initial symptoms of distress appeared, the Austral Port Company quickly notified the Punta Arenas Maritime Authority, who promptly dispatched a Maritime Police Patrol to the scene. Despite nearly an hour of intensive resuscitation efforts by both police officials and SAMU medical personnel, the crew member was sadly pronounced dead. The Homicide Brigade of the PDI also arrived to investigate the circumstances surrounding this untimely loss. Subsequently, the deceased was transported to the Servicio Médico Legal for further examination.