Barge grounds at Icaraí breakwater

FLU IPÊ barge remains grounded on Ceará coast after tow separation

The barge FLU IPÊ remained grounded at the Icaraí breakwater in Caucaia, Ceará, on Tuesday evening after separating from its towing system during an offshore tow.

The operation was being conducted by the tug SN Caraíva. Sulnorte, the company responsible for the tow, said the barge drifted after the separation and subsequently grounded at the breakwater.

The cause of the incident has not yet been established. Reports that the towing line broke have not been confirmed by either Sulnorte or the Brazilian Navy.

The barge was empty and uncrewed at the time of the incident. No injuries, oil spill or environmental damage were reported.

The Ceará Port Captaincy inspected the site and will open an Administrative Inquiry into Navigation Accidents and Facts to determine the causes, circumstances and responsibilities. The initial deadline for completion is 90 days.

Sulnorte said technical and operational teams were mobilized to monitor the barge and prepare its removal, subject to tide, weather and safety conditions. Despite preparations to begin the operation on Tuesday, FLU IPÊ remained grounded at the latest update.