A freighter has partially sunk at anchor in Puerto Montt, southern Chile, leading authorities to take pollution control measures over concerns about a possible diesel spill in the coastal area.

Local media reported that the freighter Fusion began listing at its long-term anchorage in a sheltered bay and was found partially submerged on Saturday.

The vessel is positioned less than 100 feet from the shoreline, increasing the risk that any fuel leakage could reach the coast.

According to reports from local outlet Soy Chile, the vessel may have been resting on a soft seabed and is believed to have listed during an unusually high tide.

In response, containment booms were deployed around the ship to prevent any diesel sheen from spreading into nearby waters.

A specialised pollution response team from an oil spill response company arrived at the scene on Sunday to oversee mitigation efforts. The port captain told local media that the situation remains under control while monitoring continues.

Meanwhile, Puerto Montt’s maritime prosecutor has opened an investigation to establish the cause of the incident, according to Soy Chile. Authorities are examining whether environmental conditions or the vessel’s condition contributed to the partial sinking.

Automatic Identification System data indicates that the Fusion has been moored in Puerto Montt since at least early 2022. The 48-year-old freighter has operated under several names and flags during its service life.

The vessel previously served routes in the Galapagos Islands under the Ecuadorian flag before being sold and reflagged for operations in Chile.

Records show that it has not undergone port state control inspection since 2015, indicating it has likely operated only in domestic coastal trade in recent years.

Response teams remain on site as authorities continue to assess environmental risks and the vessel’s condition.

References: crewmirror