A Russian-flagged fishing vessel sank at its berth in Montevideo, Uruguay, after losing stability during a fuel transfer, local authorities said. Maritime Executive reports that the Alpa Crux began listing to port on August 25. All 41 crew members were evacuated safely, and an investigation is now underway.
The 50-meter, 946-GT vessel was built in Spain in 2003. The emergency was reported at about 7:30 p.m. local time while fuel was being moved between the ship’s tanks. Authorities suspect that an error during the operation may have caused the vessel to lose stability.
The National Ports Administration and Montevideo Port Prefecture secured the berth and started emergency procedures. The shipping agent, Idernol Oriental Shipping, brought in Nueva Era Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO) to protect the port from possible pollution.
The response team placed floating barriers around the vessel and used a pump to remove oily liquid from the water. The liquid was first thought to be bilge water. However, no fuel spill has been confirmed so far.
The Alpa Crux has operated under the Russian flag since 2023. It was reportedly fishing for Antarctic toothfish under a license valid until the end of August 2026.
