Dredger working at Km 16,4 to 23,00 and 29,4 to 36,5 of Emilio Mitre channel / Vessels touching bottom and mild grounding in the working area
Date: 09/06/2016
Pls note that dredger NICOLO MACHIAVELLI continues dredging around Km 16,4 to 23,00 and 29,4 to 36,5 of Emilio Mitre channel. The dredger's work is causing some silting at the nearby area and dredger CAPTAIN NUÑEZ 256C is
working non-stop to keep the channel in working conditions. However, some mild groundings have been experienced by passing vessels (m.v. BERGEN TRADER II remained aground at Km 35 of Emilio Mitre channel on june 6th from 0630hrs to 0720 hrs and m.v. JETSTREAM remained aground on June 7th from 1955 hrs to 2045 hrs). First couple of passing vessels upon each opening have reported touching bottom upon the first passings. Navigation through the area is still being open during the high tides (2 x day) and Coast Guard requires agents to ask for the vessel to be included in the passing vessels convoy 12 hours before the vessel sails bound for the dredging area. Some delays may be experienced in accordance with the vessels arrival at the dredging area (whether she arrives upon the opening or has to drop anchors to wait for it). Despite there have been no modifications to the official sailing draft restrictions issued by Coast Guard or the River Way bureau, eventually, they might recommend a lesser sailing draft through the area in an eventual special scenario in order to minimize the chances of having to drop anchors to wait for a higher tide or touching bottom on the outbound passage through the area.