Liberian-flagged Bulk Carrier Runs Aground Off Argentina

Last night, a Liberian-flagged kamsarmax bulk carrier, the YM Pioneer, ran aground near Bahia Blanca port in Argentina.

The 81,900 deadweight tonnage (DWT) vessel is now obstructing the navigation channel, prompting the Coast Guard to limit traffic between buoy 11 and buoy 1, as reported by the Independent Ship Agents of Buenos Aires.

Efforts to refloat the YM Pioneer during this morning's high tide were unsuccessful. According to Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, the vessel is receiving assistance from the tugboat Toconado.

Authorities plan to undertake another attempt to dislodge the 229-meter-long ship during the next high tide, which is anticipated to occur in the afternoon local time.

The vessel, built in 2021 and owned by Japan's Yamamaru Kisen with management by Anglo-Eastern, was carrying a cargo of corn destined for Malaysia at the time of the incident.