The historical ship Professor W. Besnard has created a significant concern after it capsized at the port of Santos, raising doubts about environmental impacts and its potential future as a traveling museum. Environmental consultant Ana Angélica Alabarce, former head of Ibama in Santos, has highlighted the immediate risks of an oil leak in the estuary, linking it to the ship's prolonged presence in the water despite warnings about its deteriorating condition. Alabarce lamented that while significant funds were previously spent to prevent the vessel from sinking, subsequent inaction has led to the current crisis, leaving parts of the ship still containing hazardous materials.

The Santos Port Authority has stated that they are implementing emergency measures to refloat the ship, aiming to mitigate the immediate risks posed by its current submerged and capsized state. The actions taken by the Port Authority reflect a sense of urgency to address not only the environmental threats but also potential damage to maritime navigation in the area. Continued oversight and proactive management are seen as essential to ensure the long-term protection of the local ecosystem and the safety of shipping operations.

Discussions about the ship's future have also emerged, with the possibility of transforming it into a traveling museum being considered. This could serve both as an attraction and as a means of preserving its historical significance, should it be safely recovered from its current predicament. The ship's fate remains uncertain, and local officials are pressed to act swiftly to resolve the situation while safeguarding the environment.