Read Authentic Ratings for the Varamo

On February 8, 2025, retired Frigate Captain Guillermo Tarapow was urgently medevaced from the ship 'Varamo' while en route from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. Tarapow, an esteemed sailor renowned for his naval expertise, sustained a critical head trauma and skull fracture following an accident aboard the vessel. The Argentine Naval Prefecture launched a rescue operation in challenging weather conditions near Comodoro Rivadavia, where strong winds and large waves created perilous circumstances. After a thorough medical consultation via radio, it was determined that Tarapow had suffered a significant blow to the head from a chain and required immediate evacuation. Responding swiftly to the emergency, a helicopter took off from the Comodoro Rivadavia air base, carrying a specialized rescue team along with the PA-73 aircraft for logistical support. Despite facing hurricane-strength winds and turbulent seas, the crew executed a precise air evacuation maneuver, successfully stabilizing the injured captain prior to his transfer to a medical facility. Previously serving as a towing inspector on the 'Varamo', Tarapow experienced the accident when his command chair became dislodged due to the ship's violent movements, triggered by waves reaching up to five meters and gusts exceeding 60 knots. Upon arrival at the hospital, Tarapow was admitted in critical condition and is currently undergoing intensive observation. The 'Varamo' dropped anchor on February 9 at coordinates 44° 51' S 065° 35' W, just two days post departure from Puerto Deseado. Tarapow is well-remembered for his courageous leadership during the 2007 fire on the icebreaker 'ARA Irízar', where he orchestrated the safe evacuation of 241 crew members, risking his own safety by disregarding orders from superiors, including Captain Alejandro Losada and Navy Chief of Staff Jorge Omar Godoy, to abandon the ship. His bravery during the crisis led to two possible outcomes within the maritime force—court martial or early retirement—of which he chose retirement, albeit under contentious circumstances. For further details, view our comprehensive report with photos: https://laopinionaustral.com.ar/comodoro-rivadavia/rescataron-a-un-reconocido-marino-con-fractura-de-craneo-protagonista-del-salvataje-durante-el-incendio-del-rompehielos-irizar-504396.html

In a significant development for maritime logistics, Danish shipping giant Maersk is set to replace the disabled vessel 'Varamo,' which has been docked in Puerto Deseado since January 4. The company will utilize the 'AS Sabine' (IMO: 9813802) for its operations, a vessel currently navigating the Argentine coast. The 'AS Sabine' is poised to facilitate the maritime connection between the Port of Mar del Plata and various Patagonian terminals. Its inaugural visit to Mar del Plata occurred on January 28, aligning with the seasonal arrival of squid jiggers, who are here to unload the first squid catch of 2025. Maersk’s services in Mar del Plata are a vital component of the local economy, offering a biweekly shipping schedule primarily focused on the transportation of frozen fish. This new operational strategy complements existing services by the French shipping company CMA CGM, which has been instrumental in linking Mar del Plata with Santos since mid-May 2024. While CMA CGM has streamlined the export of Mar del Plata goods abroad, Maersk also provides an essential, albeit more extended, route to destination countries. The introduction of 'AS Sabine' marks a crucial step in maintaining the flow of exportable cargo from Argentina's coastal regions.

The supply vessel 'Varamo' is currently stranded in Puerto Deseado after experiencing a critical reduction gear failure. This incident occurred shortly after the ship's arrival on January 4, 2025, while en route from Ushuaia. Intended for the transport of fishing and mining supplies, the 'Varamo' is now scheduled to be towed from its location. Approximately 95 containers onboard are awaiting unloading as the shipping company coordinates the dispatch of a tugboat. The tug will assist in relocating the vessel, potentially to Montevideo or a port in Brazil. Additionally, the shipping company is tasked with dispatching a replacement vessel to Puerto Deseado to continue the movement of essential goods and support incoming jigger shipments. For a detailed report, including images, visit: https://laopinionaustral.com.ar/politica-y-economia/el-varamo-se-averio-y-debe-ser-remolcado-desde-puerto-deseado-498181.html