Russian Fishing Vessel Sinks in Montevideo: Fuel Error Blamed
The 946 GT Alpa Crux listed and sank at dock after a suspected fuel transfer mistake.
A Russian-flagged fishing vessel sank at its berth in Montevideo‘s port on Tuesday after authorities confirmed a fuel transfer operation went wrong, causing the ship to lose stability. The Alpa Crux, a 946 gross ton vessel, partially submerged while docked, though all 41 crew members were safely evacuated without injuries.
Uruguayan authorities received an emergency call at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time on August 25, reporting the vessel had begun listing to port. The National Ports Administration (ANP) and Montevideo Port Prefecture secured the dock and activated standard incident protocols. The shipping agency Idernol Oriental Shipping immediately contracted Nueva Era Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO) to contain potential pollution.
Specialized teams deployed floating containment booms around the vessel, along with an extraction pump to recover oily liquids visible on the water’s surface. While initial observations suggested the liquids might be bilge water, authorities confirmed no fuel spills have been detected so far. A dedicated response boat and personnel remain on site to monitor the situation.
Emergency response prevents environmental damage: fuel transfer error
The Alpa Crux, built in Spain in 2003 and measuring 50 meters (164 feet) in length, had been operating under the Russian flag since 2023. The vessel was licensed for Antarctic toothfish fishing until the end of August 2026. According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred while crew members were transferring fuel between onboard tanks.
The shipowner has initiated insurance procedures with their P&I provider to begin salvage operations in the coming days. While the investigation continues, the berth remains secured to prevent further risks.
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