Curitiba - The superintendent of the Port of Paranaguá, in the state of Paraná, Eduardo Requião, reports that an investigation of the explosion on the Chilean vessel, Vicunã, which took place last night, is now underway.

The explosion occurred while the Vicunã was unloading methanol at a private dock in the port area. The ship had a crew of 28. Four crewmen are missing. A body was found this morning near the site of the explosion but it has not been identified as one of the crewmen.

Part of the methanol cargo, along with diesel fuel spilled into the Paranagua Bay. A barrier has been placed to halt the spill from spreading and reduce environmental damage.

Agencia Brasil
Translator: Allen Bennett
11/16/2004