Amadeo 1 Capsizes off Southern Chile

Ro-ro ferry Amadeo 1 ran aground in Kirke Canal, some 100 nautical miles north west of Punta Arenas, southern Chile, on Monday, Aug 18, after hitting a rock. The vessel suffered a breach starboard, causing it to take on water, and finally, capsize on coastal shallows, with most of the hull laying above the water.

The 17 passengers and 28 crew that were on board were evacuated from the vessel and are all safe.

Chilean Navy sent ships and helicopters to the scene so as to prevent an oil spill.

The ferry was en route from Puerto Natales to Puerto Montt when the accident occurred.

Certain media reports say the ferry managed to ground on the coastline intentionally, to prevent sinking in the canal.

Navimag, the owner of the ferry, said that the services between Puerto Montt – Puerto Natales starting this week will be covered by their ferry Eden.