Navy Ship Collision with Oil Platform in Amazon Leaves Two Dead, One Missing

A deadly maritime accident occurred in northern Peru early Friday the 2nd morning when a Peruvian navy vessel collided with an oil platform on the Amazon River. The incident resulted in two confirmed fatalities and one missing crew member.

According to Peru’s Ministry of Defense, the ship—identified as the BAP Ucayali—was navigating near the junction of the Napo and Amazon rivers when it struck the bow chain of the AF Manatí, an empty storage vessel owned by the Anglo-French energy firm Perenco. The collision caused severe damage and triggered a major emergency response.

Thirty crew members were safely rescued, while search efforts continue for the missing individual. Specialized divers and helicopters have been deployed to assist in the operation.

The Ministry of Defense expressed condolences in a public statement, saying the Navy “deeply regrets the irreparable loss of our crew members” and pledged support to their families. Meanwhile, Perenco confirmed the details of the crash and stated it was working in coordination with the Peruvian Navy during the rescue efforts. The company also extended its sympathies to those affected.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision.

This incident adds to growing environmental and safety concerns in the Amazon Basin, where hundreds of oil and gas operations span across Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. These activities often pose risks to local communities and ecosystems.

Photo credit: Defensa. All rights reserved.