News

The Maritime Interests, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Committee will request that funds be secured to extend the search for the crew of the 'Bruma'. Additionally, at the beginning ofthe regular session on April 9, the Senate Chamber observed a moment of silence in memory of the seven fishermen missing since March 30. "The collision was not the result of navigation between the two vessels, since the "Bruma" was anchored. The "Cobra" was sailing under its own propulsion, and this proves that the impact was from the side. Furthermore, the position of both vessels coincides," said Claudia Urrutia, president of the Maule Cod Fishermen's Association and spokesperson for the families of the missing fishermen from the 'Bruma'. The spokesperson gave a detailed presentation before the Maritime Interests, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Committee—chaired by Senator Fidel Espinoza—and called for "justice" for the families, along with a series of proposals for improvements "to eradicate bad, reckless, and inappropriate practices. Urrutia stated that the fleet is equipped in general, not only in compliance with regulations, but also with modern technological systems that support the vessel from the moment it leaves port in fishing areas and when it lands (POSAT equipment, emergency radio beacons, radar, GPS, Starlink satellite antenna, among others). Along with the account of the events, he recorded a series of short- and medium-term proposals, which were evaluated by the senators present at the session. Among others, the Navy proposed adequate navigation controls to prevent accidents and reckless and dangerous behaviour; the National Institute of Traffic (INDESPA) proposed a program to acquire safety equipment; and adequate training for SENCE (National Service for the Protection of Mariners). Furthermore, he proposed that, through the Regional Government, SAR equipment be acquired along the entire coastline. He urged the allocation of resources for due compliance with the international standards of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the provision of the Navy, in its oversight role, with modern equipment and technology for effective control of maritime operations involving all types of vessels; "that is, a Maritime Traffic System, which I would love to see called the 'Buma Law.'" After the presentation, the senators assessed the proposals and agreed to send all the information to the Minister of the Interior and request grace pensions for the families. In addition, the minister will be asked to secure resources to extend the search, which is currently scheduled to last until April 13. The Undersecretary of Fisheries, Julio Salas, present at the session, reiterated his solidarity with the families of the crew members of the "Bruma" and the search efforts. The situation became even more complex with the mysterious disappearance of Juan Sanhueza Henríquez, a 58-year-old crew member of the 'Cobra', who was working as a lookout the morning of the accident. According to his family, Sanhueza left his home in Coronel for Talcahuano on April 4 to attend a meeting with his colleagues and an appointment with the company psychologist. However, he never arrived. His last appearance was captured by security cameras in Vega Monumental in Concepción, after he got off a bus. Since then, there has been no trace of him. His family suspects that Juan may have received sensitive information related to the case, which would explain his strange disappearance. The Blumar company noted that the crew of the "Cobra" was facing high pressure following the incident, which prompted the company to provide psychological support. Blumar's general manager, Gerardo Balbontín, confirmed that Sanhueza was working two-hour shifts as a lookout on the ship's bridge at the time of the accident. Sanhueza's lookout work consisted of observing potential vessels while sailing. He was on one of the night shifts between 3 and 6 a.m. on the bridge. The manager also made a public appeal to the man: "Your colleagues and your family need you here. I'm calling on you to hopefully return as soon as possible."

The 'Dessi II', used by the Swedish Armed Forces or passenger traffic between the naval port and Kungsholmsfort, allided with a swing bridge between Trossö and Lindholmen, which is remotely controlled from the high guard, in summer 2023 due to a lack of communication between this and the ferry crew. It hit the bridge at a speed of approximately five knots, while there were two crew members, but otherwise no passengers on board The ship was taken out of service and had to be repaired. The Swedish Armed Forces' lawyer has determined that the lack of communication between the ferry personnel and the high guard was the direct cause of the accident. The shipping company that owns the ship must therefore be compensated with 236,780 Swedish Crowns, according to a recent decision.

On the morning of April 9, 2025, the 'CTMA Voyager 2' stopped off the Gaspé coast near Anse-à-Fugère to conduct a medevac. The Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre received a call regarding a crew member with a knee injury on the ship. The CCGS Cap-aux-Meules subsequently responded to the scene to evacuate the person and transferred him to ambulance services around 8:45 a.m. The vessel, which had departed Cap-aux-Meules on April 8, then resumed its voyage to Montreal. There were no concerns for the crew member's health. Report with photo: https://www.radiogaspesie.ca/nouvelles/actualite/un-cargo-immobilise-au-large-de-riviere-au-renard-ce-matin/

On April 9, 2025, at 3:56 p.m. a car broke down on the deck of the "Ole Bull", serving on the route Valestrand-Breistein, while the ferry was berthed at the quay at Valestrand. As the vehicle first had to be removed, the ferry service was delayed.

A fire broke out on the early afternoon of April 8, 2025, aboard the 'Artemis', while the vessel was moored in the port of Brest to load champagne and cognac. The fire was of electronic origin and started in the engine room. Nearly 50 firefighters were mobilized to tackle the blaze, which lasted just over an hour. Three sailors were treated by emergency services after suffering smoke inhalation. The 'Artemis', originally scheduled to leave the port of Brest on April 9, should be able to keep to its schedule and head for Le Havre before departing on April 15 for New York, where it is expected to deliver French goods.