[2][3] Bahía Paraíso was ordered by the Argentine Navy on 27 February 1979[a] as a supply ship for use in Antarctic waters.

The ship was launched from the Argentine shipyard Astilleros Príncipe y Menghi SA on 3 July 1980, entering service on 3 December 1981, with the pennant number Q 6.

Two diesel engines rated at a total of 15,000 shp (11,000 kW) drove two controllable pitch propellers, giving a speed of 18 kn (21 mph; 33 km/h).

It was on a resupply trip with tourists to Antarctica on January 28, 1989 when it struck rock and sank off Anvers Island.

Chilean Coast Guard Tender Yelcho arrived February 6 to begin clean up operations.