Legal Proceedings Commence in Coronel
The judicial process regarding the tragic sinking of the fishing boatBrumabegan this week at the Guarantee Court of Coronel. Regional Prosecutor for Biobío, Marcela Cartagena, officially presented charges against three crew members of the larger fishing vesselCobra, accusing them of manslaughter following a fatal collision that occurred on March 30, 2025.
The accused individuals—captain Roberto Mansilla, a navigation officer (pilot) named Luis Macaya, and lookout Jaime Sandoval—now face a legal battle centered on allegations of professional negligence. Prosecutors have requested precautionary measures, including nightly house arrest, bi-weekly sign-ins, and a travel ban for the defendants.
The Night of the Collision
During the hearing, prosecutors detailed the events of the early morning hours on March 30, 2025. At approximately 3:08 a.m., northeast of Santa María Island, the 64.7-meter-longCobracollided with the much smaller 14.7-meterBruma. The impact, described by Prosecutor Cartagena as a "high-energy" event, caused theBrumato fragment and sink, resulting in the deaths of all seven crew members on board: José Luis Medel Sepúlveda, Jonathan Daniel Torres Saldaña, José Luis Medel González, Juan Jorge Muñoz Valladares, José Fernando Carrasco González, Julio Eduardo Gallardo Díaz, and Carlos Hugo Escárate Ramírez.
According to the prosecution, theCobrawas navigating in conditions of calm winds and good visibility. TheBrumawas reportedly stationary, displaying a masthead light to signal its position—a signal that should have been visible from the bridge of theCobra.
Allegations of Negligence
Prosecutor Cartagena argued that the collision was not a mere accident, but a direct consequence of the defendants' failure to adhere to maritime safety regulations. "The collision was produced as a consequence of the negligent actions and the infringement of maritime regulations by the defendants," Cartagena stated. She emphasized that the crew members, based on their respective roles on the bridge, had a fundamental duty to ensure safe navigation and prevent such incidents.
While four crew members were on duty at the time, the prosecution noted that a fourth individual, Juan Sanhueza, who was also on theCobraduring the incident, has since died by suicide.
Corporate Accountability
In a significant expansion of the case, the prosecution has also moved to formalize charges against Blumar S.A., the company that operates theCobra. The legal action against the corporation centers on claims that the company failed to implement an adequate crime prevention model.
According to the Fiscalia, Blumar’s existing risk management framework failed to explicitly address the risk of vessel collisions. By neglecting to include such operational hazards in their prevention protocols, the prosecution argues the company failed in its duty to mitigate risks associated with its fleet's activities.
