The Federal Public Ministry of Brazil has initiated an administrative civil procedure to investigate the collision involving two barges and the container ship Seaspan Empire in Santos Port, where four crew members jumped into the sea but were not injured.
The Federal Public Ministry of Brazil (MPF) has launched an administrative civil procedure following a collision between two barges, FB-15 and FB-14, and the container ship Seaspan Empire at the Port of Santos on the São Paulo coastline. This incident occurred on the night of Monday, the 16th, when the Seaspan Empire, approximately 50 meters tall, attempted to leave the channel due to limited docking space. Although four crew members jumped into the sea, fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
In light of the collision, the Port Authority of São Paulo (CP-SP), under the Brazilian Navy, has initiated an Administrative Inquiry into Shipping Accidents and Events (IAFN) to delve into the causes behind the incident and identify those liable. This inquiry will complement the MPF's investigation, which aims to ascertain various other factors surrounding the event. The decision to proceed with the inquiry was made by federal prosecutor Thiago Lacerda Nobre, who has forwarded the dispatch to the Legal Subcoordinating Body of the MPF.
This incident raises significant concerns over maritime safety and compliance with navigation regulations at one of Brazil's busiest ports. The parallel investigations by both the MPF and the CP-SP underscore the need for thorough scrutiny to prevent future occurrences and enhance risk management practices for maritime operations in the region.
