Plata Feeder

* We have received reports that General Average has been declared by owners of general cargo vessel, PLATA FEEDER, following a breakdown of the vessel's propeller at KM mark 311 of the Parana River on 26 January 2021.

* The vessel was unable to continue its voyage as a consequence of the incident and requires to be taken under tow to a port of refuge for repairs.

* Initial indications are that repairs cannot be effected to the vessel afloat. Consequently, cargo may require to be discharged from the vessel to enable repairs to be effected to the vessel and we are therefore currently making enquiries of the shipowners to ascertain their intentions for the on-carriage of cargo to destination port(s).

* General Average security is now required to be provided by all Cargo Interests prior to the delivery of their cargo and we are likely to be able to assist.

* In addition, if salvage services are rendered to the vessel by tugs contracted under Lloyds Open Form terms, Salvage Security may be demanded from a source in the UK and W K Webster may be able to assist in that regard also. Security provided by WKW is acceptable to the Council of Lloyds and widely preferred by professional Salvors.

* Recovery issues may also arise in respect of any delay in delivery of any time and/or temperature sensitive cargo stowed on board.

* We have already been instructed by certain insurers and we are currently liaising with the appointed Average Adjuster as to the terms of the GA security to be provided by cargo interests. We may also be able to offer certain economies of scale in respect of any third party costs that may require to be incurred to investigate the cause of the incident.

* We therefore recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board the vessel and require our assistance.