Bulk carrier grounds in Argentina

A Liberian-flagged kamsarmax bulk carrier, YM Pioneer, ran aground last night in the area of Bahia Blanca port, Argentina.

According to Independent Ship Agents of Buenos Aires, the 81,900 dwt is currently blocking the navigation channel, causing the Coast Guard to restrict traffic between buoy 11 and buoy 1.

Initial attempts to refloat the vessel during the morning’s high tide failed. AIS data show the vessel is currently being assisted by the tug Toconado. 

The next high tide is expected in the afternoon local time when a new attempt will be made to reflot the 229-m-long ship.

The 2021-built vessel, owned by Japan’s Yamamaru Kisen and managed by Anglo-Eastern, was laden with corn bound for Malaysia.