Blumar, a company from the Biobío Region with more than 75 years in the fishing sector, is collaborating on all fronts to enable authorities to clarify the facts that may have caused the sinking of the boat Bruma and the disappearance of seven crew members. Blumar’s general manager, Gerardo Balbontín, explained that “from the very beginning we have collaborated with the different investigations and we are available to contribute to the work of the authorities”.
The executive also noted that “this is a painful matter, which is why we call for acting responsibly and carefully. It is easy to create and spread theories, but all of that only damages the investigation and, therefore, the clarification of the facts”.
Balbontín said that the investigation is also verifying that the vessels maintained their safety systems activated and in operation, because accidents at sea depend on the behavior, protocols and safety of all vessels.
Precisely to contribute to the investigation, Blumar announced this morning that by the end of the day a company specializing in underwater rescue will arrive in the area, support that was requested by the families to the Maritime Authority, a call that the company agreed to.
Likewise, Blumar reported that it also managed the arrival in the area of technological equipment to facilitate investigative work at greater depths. The equipment that will arrive includes:
- Seabotix 950, with an immersion capacity of 400 meters effective.
- ECA VECTORIAL Robot, which works up to 450 meters deep.
- Specialist robot of national manufacture that operates up to 500 meters deep.
- Sonar system for mapping the seabed.
- All equipment has underwater navigation system and USBL positioning to track the search.
Balbontín also reiterated that the company informed the authorities that the vessel has all the operational and certified technology necessary to navigate on the high seas and complies with current regulations. In human terms, it has a crew of 18 trained professionals, led by a captain with more than 40 years of experience in the world of navigation.
In this regard, the manager said that “it hurts to hear many of the accusations thrown into the air, like that they would have intentionally collided with the Bruma. Or worse yet, that having realized the accident they would have deliberately decided not to help the fishermen. We believe that those accusations don’t help at all and also ignore how people of the sea work”. And he added that the Cobra’s crew, which had a captain, two pilots and two lookouts precisely for observing the surroundings.
He also explained that in the world of artisanal and industrial fishing it is common to see that every crew member, regardless of the size of the vessel, knows that it is their duty to rescue vessels and colleagues in trouble. “Moreover, our captain has rescued other vessels and crews in the past, being recognized by his colleagues”.
Balbontín also said that the company’s ships have GPS, radars and other electronic devices that are connected with the Navy, which makes the thesis unlikely that 18 people are hiding an accident of this magnitude. And he reiterated that it is important for the investigation to proceed without pressure of any kind.
