Working Conditions Aboard the Ginga-Bobcat

On May 18, the Argentine Naval Prefecture initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the allision involving a barge convoy pushed by the tug 'HB Perseus' (MMSI 720954000) and the tanker 'Ginga Bobcat.' This incident occurred on May 17 at approximately 5:15 p.m. near Parque España in Rosario, in a densely trafficked section of the Paraná River designated for restricted navigation. The 'HB Perseus,' operated by a Paraguayan crew with Argentine pilots, was executing a carefully coordinated maneuver to navigate away from a third vessel that was trailing behind. Meanwhile, the 'Ginga Bobcat' was securely anchored in the appropriate zone for such operations. Following the collision, a portion of the barge convoy temporarily broke away, causing some of the barges to drift. Fortunately, the tug was able to promptly recover the barges, and reports confirmed that there were no injuries or environmental pollution as a result of the incident. Coast Guard technical personnel were deployed to inspect both vessels to evaluate the damage and to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the collision. For further details, check out the reports with photos available at these links: https://www.rosarioplus.com/actualidad/seguridad/investigan-la-falla-en-la-maniobra-que-provoco-el-choque-de-barcos_a6a0b70be1ad7ab0433ccf625 and https://www.rosario3.com/informaciongeneral/tras-el-choque-de-barcos-frente-a-rosario-conductores-navales-alertaron-sobre-los-riesgos-de-la-desregulacion-en-la-hidrovia-20260518-0011.html.

On May 17, 2026, at approximately 5 p.m., a significant maritime incident occurred when the barge convoy, propelled by the tug 'HB Perseus' (MMSI 720954000), was navigating southward toward San Nicolás de los Arroyos. The allision transpired in the primary channel of the Paraná River, just off the central coast of Rosario, where the convoy collided with the anchored tanker 'Gingo Bobcat' near Corrientes Street. The crew of the 'Gingo Bobcat' recognized the imminent danger and sounded their horn urgently, hoping to signal the tug to steer clear. Despite these efforts, a barge collided with the ship's bulbous bow, forcing the tanker several meters downstream before it came to a standstill. During the incident, several barge units from the convoy broke loose and were left adrift in the river, coinciding with heavy maritime traffic in the area at that time. Consequently, all river traffic was halted to ensure navigational safety until the situation was under control. The 'Gingo Bobcat,' which was not loaded at the time, sustained noticeable bow damage due to the collision. This latest allision comes merely twelve days after the previous incident involving the 'Gingo Bobcat,' when it collided with the tanker 'Helios' (IMO: 9466740) while en route from Montevideo to the port of Campana on the Paraná-Paraguay Waterway on May 5. As of May 19, the 'Gingo Bobcat' remained immobilized at coordinates 32° 56' N 060° 38' W. For more information and footage of the incident, please visit the following links: [Version Rosario](https://www.versionrosario.com.ar/impactante-choque-un-buque-partio-al-metio-a-un-remolcador/), [Argenports](https://argenports.com/nota/en-video-el-buque-que-fue-chocado-hoy-frente-a-rosario-ya-habia-protagonizado-otro-accidente-en-la-hidrovia-dias-atras/), [Clarin](https://www.clarin.com/sociedad/remolcador-choco-buque-rio-parana-termino-partido_0_pKWlp8ddSx.html), [El Once](https://www.elonce.com/amp/videos-de-choque-de-embarcaciones-en-el-rio-parana-frente-a-rosario-varias-barcazas-se-desprendieron.htm).

In a notable maritime event on May 4, 2026, at 5:36 PM, the 'Ginga Bobcat', which was navigating from Montevideo, encountered a serious collision with the tanker 'Helios' (IMO: 9466740) within the confines of the port of Campana on the Paraná-Paraguay Waterway. The Argentine Naval Prefecture swiftly activated its safety protocols following the allision. At the time, the 'Ginga Bobcat' was upstream-bound, carrying a substantial load of 10,300 tons of sulfuric acid destined for the TFA terminal located in Greater Rosario. Meanwhile, the 'Helios' was securely moored and in the process of loading gasoline and diesel. Reports indicate that the 'Ginga Bobcat' was traveling at a speed of approximately 8.6 knots when it made contact with the starboard stern of the 'Helios'. The collision resulted in significant breaches above the waterline on both vessels—the port side bow of the 'Ginga Bobcat' and the stern of the 'Helios' were notably damaged. Following the incident, the 'Ginga Bobcat' dropped anchor at position S 34° 09' N 058° 58' W. Authorities commenced thorough evaluations of the structural integrity of both vessels to ensure that no leaks had occurred. Fortunately, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported. To mitigate any potential environmental hazards in the river, the Coast Guard maintained strict oversight in the vicinity. For more detailed footage and updates, view the report here: https://www.facebook.com/madariagaproducciones/posts/campanario-paranaeste-lunes-4-de-mayo-de-2026-por-la-tarde-se-registr%C3%B3-un-grave-/1431780275630694/

On September 28, 2011, the cargo ship "Ginga Bopcat" faced a harrowing incident in the Red Sea close to Yemen when it was targeted by an RPG. Remarkably, all 24 crew members, who are Bangladeshi nationals, emerged unharmed, and the vessel sustained operational capabilities post-attack. The rocket-propelled grenade struck the ship's bridge, creating a 10-centimeter breach. At the time, the "Ginga Bopcat" was transporting phosphoric acid from Europe to India. Interestingly, about 45 minutes prior to this incident, another tanker, under the management of Tokyo Marine, experienced a close call in the same maritime area when it was approached by a fast-moving boat; however, it managed to evade any damage. Such incidents underline the ongoing safety challenges faced by maritime operations in this region.