On March 13, in the afternoon, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) “Petrel” issued an alert for the Chilean-flagged vessel M/V “Betanzos”, which after suffering a breakdown that caused the total loss of its propulsion, had to anchor in an emergency north of Livingston Island, in the South Shetland archipelago, this being an area whose meteorological complexity does not offer good protection.
In this context, the ARA “Bahía Pleasant” (AVBA), which at that time was being developed by the Combined Naval Antarctic Patrol (PANC), received the order to assist the “Betanzos” and go to its position to tow to a safe area, where it could safely await the assistance of its owner.
In the early morning of March 14, under adverse hydrometeorological conditions, the Argentine Navy’s warning made its approach to evaluate the safest way to tow on the high seas. Once the maneuver was secured, the AVBA began the transfer by rounding Livingston Island to the west and then sailing through the Sea of the Fleet to head for a more sheltered area in Discovery Bay.
After carrying out more than 130 nautical miles and 24 hours of effective towing, dodging icebergs, detached debris and in low visibility conditions with waves greater than three meters high, the operation culminated in the afternoon.
Finally, the assistance continued with the transfer of 19 passengers from the “Betanzos” to the “Bahía Pleasant”, who were later transferred to the Chilean air base “Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva”, located in Guardia Nacional Bay, to be withdrawn by air to Punta Arenas (Chile).
Once the mission is accomplished, the ARA “Bahía Pleasant” continues its work as a service ship in the PANC, reaffirming the commitment of the Argentine Navy to international cooperation and security in the inhospitable Antarctic region.
The mission of the Combined Antarctic Naval Patrol, which is divided into four stages, either as an Antarctic Service Ship or as an Antarctic Support Ship, is to provide a search, rescue, maritime rescue, pollution control and combat service, with the purpose of providing safety to navigation, human life at sea and contributing to keeping waters free of pollution. south of the 60ºS parallel, in compliance with the Antarctic Treaty.
Likewise, during its development, support is provided to the Antarctic bases; the transfer of personnel and material; the inspection of shipwrecks; the opening of Antarctic bases in both countries; as well as hydrographic and maintenance work on maritime signaling.
These patrols also contribute to increasing the level of training of the units, and support to the scientific community for the study and preservation of the environment and the marine ecosystem.