Paranaguá (PR) - The Chilean ship, Vicuña, that exploded in the Port of Paranaguá, in the state of Paraná on November 15 has left 4,000 fishermen unable to work because of toxic chemicals that were spilled into the water.

The Environmental Protection Institute (Ibama) has ruled the Bay of Paranagua and adjacent waters off limits for fishing. The Vicuña exploded and split in half, spilling around one million liters of oil.

The president of the state fisherman association, Edmir Manoel Ferreira, says that the now jobless members of his association have been seeking aid. Basic Food Baskets, promised by the Special Secretariat of Aquaculture and Fishing, have not arrived. The fishermen can receive financial assistance from the government (a payment of a minimum wage (US$80 - R$240) for a two-month period), but they have to register to receive the money. Ferreira says many of the fishermen have trouble dealing with the red tape. He says 1,800 out of total membership of 3,300, have managed to fill out the forms so far.

Agência Brasil
Reporter:Lúcia Nórcio
translator: Allen Bennett
11/25/2004