MANAUS, BRAZIL — A river convoy that had departed from Manaus, in Amazonas state, bound for Santarém, in Pará state, carrying containers, trucks, vehicles and other cargo had to be moved in a controlled maneuver to one of the banks of the Amazon River.

The incident occurred Monday (Aug. 17) near the municipality of Parintins, in the interior of Amazonas state. One of the barges began taking on water and, to prevent it from sinking, the convoy had to be deliberately run aground in a controlled maneuver.

There were no reports of injuries or signs of water pollution. A team from the company responsible for the convoy remains at the site, assessing the measures needed to remove the vehicles and other cargo, as well as refloat the damaged barge.

The Brazilian Navy, through the Western Amazon River Captaincy, said it had been notified of the incident involving the João Gabriel pushboat.

According to the Navy, an Administrative Inquiry into Navigation Accidents and Incidents (IAFN) will be opened to determine the causes and circumstances of the incident and assess any potential responsibility.

Amazon Agency