VARAMO

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Former Frigate Captain, famous for rescue of 241 crew members of icebreaker, severly injured in accident

On Feb 8, 2025, aman had to be medevaced from the 'Varamo', n route from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, with a severe head trauma ad skull fracture, he had suffered in an accident on board. He was identified as the retired Frigate Captain Guillermo Tarapow, an experienced sailor and naval expert. The Argentine Naval Prefecture carried out the rescue in waters near Comodoro Rivadavia in adverse weather conditions, with strong winds and large waves. After a medical consultation by radio, it was determined that the man, who had received a strong blow to the head from a chain, needed to be urgently evacuated. Given the seriousness of the situation, a helicopter took off from the Comodoro Rivadavia air base with a team of specialized rescuers, accompanied by the PA-73 aircraft to provide logistical support. Despite the hurricane-force winds and rough seas, the crew managed to carry out an extremely precise air evacuation maneuver, stabilizing the injured man before transferring him to a medical center. Tarapow, who was working as a towing inspector on the 'Varamo', suffered the fracture when his command chair came loose due to the violent movements of the ship, caused by waves of up to five meters and winds of 60 knots.Upon arrival at the hospital, Tarapow was admitted in critical condition and is currently under intensive monitoring. The ship dropped anchor on Feb 9 in pos. 44° 51' S 065° 35' W, two days after leaving Puerto Deseado. Captain Tarapow is remembered for his bravery in the fire on the icebreaker 'ARA Irízar' in 2007. On that occasion, he led the evacuation of 241 crew members after a fire in the generator room, ensuring that everyone was rescued safe and sound before abandoning the ship himself. During this episode, Tarapow, who was the captain of the ship, disobeyed the orders of his superiors, including Captain Alejandro Losada and the Chief of the General Staff of the Navy, Jorge Omar Godoy, who told him to abandon ship. Instead of obeying the order, Tarapow remained on board. As a result of this disobedience, Tarapow faced two possible fates within the force: a court martial or requesting retirement. He opted for the latter option, although his decision was viewed with reservations. Report with photos: https://laopinionaustral.com.ar/comodoro-rivadavia/rescataron-a-un-reconocido-marino-con-fractura-de-craneo-protagonista-del-salvataje-durante-el-incendio-del-rompehielos-irizar-504396.html

Disabled ship replaced by AS Sabine

Following the mechanical problem that affected the“Varamo”, which is stationary in Puerto Deseado since Jan 4, the Danish shipping company Maersk will replace the vessel with the “AS Sabine” (IMO: 9813802). This ship currently operates on the Argentine coast. It will connect the maritime route of the Port of Mar del Plata, where it arrived on Jan 28, with the Patagonian terminals, according to Container Terminal No. 2 (TC2), from where exportable cargo is operated. It was the first time that the vessel will arrive at the local port, where, at this time, the first squid jiggers are beginning to arrive to unload the first squid tide of 2025. Maersk provides a biweekly service in the city and mainly transports frozen fish. It complements the operations of the French shipping company CMA CGM, which, since mid-May of 2024 has enabled the commercial route that links Mar del Plata with Santos to position Mar del Plata goods abroad. Maersk, however, has a longer time to reach the destination countries.

Supply ship broke down in Puerto Deseado

The 'Varamo' must be towed from Puerto Deseado, whiere it had arrived en route from Ushuaia on Jan 4, 2025, due to the breakdown of the reduction gear. It had the mission of transporting fishing and mining cargo. It is expected that around 95 containers that were on board will be unloaded, while awaiting the arrival of a tug to move it to the city of Montevideo or another port in the region but in Brazilian territory. In addition, the shipping company must have another ship to relieve the 'Varamo' in Puerto Deseado. There are many goods to move, in addition to the prompt income of the jiggers. Report with photo: https://laopinionaustral.com.ar/politica-y-economia/el-varamo-se-averio-y-debe-ser-remolcado-desde-puerto-deseado-498181.html