Captain Outlines Probe Into Santos Collision After Container Ship Hits Ferry Barges

Overview

• The Singapore‑flagged Seaspan Empire struck ferry barges FB‑15 and FB‑14 around 21:30 on Feb. 16 while exiting the Santos channel for the anchorage because no berth was available.
• Four crew members from FB‑15 jumped into the water and were rescued without injuries by Praticagem launch boats and people on shore; both barges were out of service, with FB‑15 towing FB‑14.
• The Capitania dos Portos de São Paulo opened an administrative inquiry (IAFN) on Feb. 17 to determine causes and responsibility, and the Captain of the Port detailed lines of inquiry including compliance, radio communications and vessel speeds.
• Authorities said port navigation and ferry crossings continued with the rest of the fleet, and reported damage was confined to the bow of a barge.
• After waiting at anchor, the Seaspan Empire berthed at DP World around 03:00 on Feb. 17, completed operations and departed by early Feb. 18, while the barges remain moored pending directives from the maritime authority; APS and the terminal’s roles in berth availability were noted by officials, and DP World declined comment.