Yaghan Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On September 30, the ferry 'Yaghan' successfully refloated after running aground near Paso Labbé while navigating back to Punta Arenas amid challenging weather. The incident prompted an immediate response from the Transbordadora Austral Broom (Tabsa) crew, who collaborated with the Chilean Navy. They enlisted the help of an additional ferry equipped for the situation, which arrived swiftly following the alarm. After lightening the vessel’s load, the 'Yaghan' was able to float again thanks to the rising tide at approximately 2:25 p.m. Following stabilization, the ferry made its way to a secure anchorage to undergo thorough inspections. It subsequently departed to Punta Arenas, where it will undergo necessary repairs at a local shipyard.

In a remarkable turn of events following the grounding of the 'Yaghan', the Tabsa company has mobilized the ferry 'Fueguino' along with specialized personnel and equipment to assess the environmental impact of the incident. This operation is being conducted under the supervision of the Maritime Authority after the Chilean Navy successfully executed a 20-hour rescue mission. The accident occurred in the Paso Labbé sector, located 120 nautical miles from Puerto Natales, on September 26. On September 27 at 6:00 p.m., the 'LSG 1617-Puerto Natales' arrived at the naval dock of Puerto Natales, successfully transferring all 34 rescued passengers back to their families. This ship was one of the key naval assets deployed by the Third Naval Zone to address the emergency. The rescue operation commenced early in the day, with the 'Puerto Natales' reaching the incident site at 08:00 a.m., followed by the 'OPV 83-Marinero Fuentealba' around 10:00 a.m. Additionally, an aircraft from the South Naval Group conducted a reconnaissance flight over the area at 09:00 a.m., transporting experts to evaluate the situation. The OPV 'Marinero Fuentealba' played a vital role as personnel from the Punta Arenas Harbor Master’s Office monitored the stricken vessel for any signs of fuel leakage. An inspector from the Local Ship Inspection Commission was also dispatched to the 'Puerto Natales' to begin preliminary assessments for an investigation being led by the Maritime Prosecutor’s Office. Adverse weather conditions complicated the operation, with the area experiencing overcast skies and wind gusts reaching 50 kilometers per hour. The Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Maritime Meteorological Center, in collaboration with the Bahía Félix and Fairway lighthouses, provided essential meteorological data. During the assessment, weak traces of oily mixtures were detected around the ferry, presumably from its bilge waters. Environmental response teams and specialized personnel are evaluating the best strategies to mitigate the situation in light of the challenging conditions.

On September 25, 2024, the Yaghan Ferry encountered a critical situation, running aground in the Labbe Pass sector near Tamar Pass, not far from Manuel Rodríguez Island. The vessel was carrying a total of 42 individuals, which included 30 passengers and 12 crew members, amidst challenging weather conditions. Responding promptly, the 3rd Naval Zone of the Chilean Navy initiated a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation to ensure the safety of those on board. Navy ships facilitated the evacuation of the passengers, who were subsequently taken to various farming centers in the vicinity for safety. The operation saw the deployment of the service boat Puerto Natales and the patrol boat Marinero Fuentealba, alongside a helicopter from the Aeronaval Group South and pollution response equipment. While passengers were evacuated, the crew members remained on the stabilized ferry. They prepared to receive divers sent to assess and conduct necessary repairs, paving the way for the ferry route back to the city to be restored. For visuals of this operation, a video is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb3c6oHjujI.