UPDATE, July 22: The barge FLU IPÊ was removed from the Icaraí breakwater in Caucaia, Ceará, on Wednesday morning at approximately 9:00 a.m., concluding a refloating operation that lasted nearly 28 hours. Sulnorte Serviços Marítimos, the company responsible for the operation, said the work was conducted in accordance with the plan approved by the Ceará Port Captaincy, with no environmental impact and no injuries reported among crew, company personnel or local residents.
FLU IPÊ barge remains grounded on Ceará coast after tow separation
The barge FLU IPÊ remained grounded at the Icaraí breakwater in Caucaia, Ceará, on Tuesday evening after separating from its towing system during an offshore tow.
The operation was being conducted by the tug SN Caraíva. Sulnorte, the company responsible for the tow, said the barge drifted after the separation and subsequently grounded at the breakwater.
The cause of the incident has not yet been established. Reports that the towing line broke have not been confirmed by either Sulnorte or the Brazilian Navy.
The barge was empty and uncrewed at the time of the incident. No injuries, oil spill or environmental damage were reported.
The Ceará Port Captaincy inspected the site and will open an Administrative Inquiry into Navigation Accidents and Facts to determine the causes, circumstances and responsibilities. The initial deadline for completion is 90 days.
Sulnorte said technical and operational teams were mobilized to monitor the barge and prepare its removal, subject to tide, weather and safety conditions. Despite preparations to begin the operation on Tuesday, FLU IPÊ remained grounded at the latest update [see update above].
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