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The legendary steam was removed this Sunday (8) in Pirapora, in the northern region of the state, on Sunday Benjamim Guimares from the river So Francisco. The goal is to start the restoration of the historic boat. As reported on the afternoon of this Sunday (8) by the Secretary of State for Culture and Tourism, Lenidas Oliveira, the low water level hampered the initial work of removing the boat dated 1913 and overturned since 1985 by the State Institute of Historical Heritage and Arts of Minas Gerais (Iepha).
This Monday (9), the steamer will be placed on the dock for restoration. “There was no damage during the process other than a small crack in the hull, but, according to the project, the entire hull will be replaced, a condition even for the release of the ship to sail again. Everything planned despite the difficulties inherent in the entire process, ”explained Lenidas this Sunday afternoon (9).
WORK The execution of the work is expected to take place within a period of six to eight months, according to the agreement schedule and the executive project contracted by Iepha, counted from the conclusion of the bidding process and the signing of the contract.
Historic boat with steam propulsion system that uses firewood as fuel, the Benjamim Guimares receive services such as the recovery and replacement of the hull structure, wooden structures, including floors, partitions, frames and stairs. New electrical, hydrosanitary and fire prevention and extinction installations will also be installed, as well as the recovery of government, telecommunications and alternative propulsion systems.
“Action of reform and restoration of steam Benjamim Guimares It is a milestone for tourism and culture not only in the region, but in Minas and Brazil. The history of this vessel is directly related to the implementation process of commercial navigation on the So Francisco River between the second half of the 19th century and the middle of the 20th century, participating as a fundamental reference in the river landscape and in the local collective cultural memory , regional and national ”. , Lenidas Oliveira highlighted.
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The reform and restoration of the boat, included in the Minas Cultural Strategic Project, of the government of Minas Gerais, had its possible resources through an agreement signed with the Union, through the Iphan.
HISTORY The ship was built in 1913 by the North American shipyard James Rees e Sons and sailed for a few years on the Amazon River, being transferred to the So Francisco River from 1920.
It transported tourists across the river, being the only one in operation. With capacity to transport up to 140 people, between crew and passengers, with the steam allowed to navigate rivers, lakes and streams that do not have strong waves or winds.
As a constructive characteristic, the cultural asset is a square stern river boat, with a 60 horsepower steam engine powered by firewood, and with a maximum storage capacity of 28 tons of fuel.
The propulsion system is the paddle wheel located in the stern, capable of reaching up to 6.5 knots of maximum speed. The unloaded weight of 243.42 tons, which can add up to more than 66 tons, is 43.85 meters long and 7.96 meters wide.
Benjamim Guimares one of the last in the world and its history is directly related to the implementation process of commercial navigation on the So Francisco River between the second half of the 19th century and the middle of the 20th, participating as a fundamental reference in the river landscape and in the local collective cultural memory. , regional and national.
On the recommendation of the Port Authority, its activities were interrupted in 2015, since then it has been waiting for the recovery of its structure to resume its activity.
