The historic ship, Professor W. Besnard, which played a vital role in Brazilian oceanographic research, capsized at Santos port in the historical downtown area. The incident occurred due to water accumulation inside the vessel, leading to half of it being submerged. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the local port authority is monitoring the situation closely. Plans are underway to either recover the ship with the help of partner companies or preserve part of it as a historical artifact in the nearby Valongo Park.

The Executive Director of the Santos Port Authority, Anderson Pomini, expressed the hope that, if conditions allow, they would be able to restore the ship with the support of various companies linked to the port. The ship has been inactive and is currently managed by the IMar (Institute of the Sea), a non-governmental organization, highlighting its significance not just as a maritime vessel but also as a piece of Brazil's oceanographic history.

The capsizing of Professor W. Besnard is not only a logistical challenge for the port authorities but also a cultural loss if the ship cannot be restored. Its historical relevance to Brazilian maritime research underscores the necessity for preservation efforts in the face of such incidents. The local community and maritime enthusiasts are likely to monitor the situation for further developments regarding the ship's fate.