Another two groundings in the Parana River have highlighted continuing safety problems in the region caused by a combination of natural silting and drought.

The incidents will come as a timely reminder to underwriters of the increasing risks in the area during the key hull and insurance renewal month of July.

The 76,000-dwt Ourania Luck (built 2000) hit a sand bank on 4 July around the central Lagos region as it was heading for Kuwait.