The Russian-flagged fishing vessel Alpha Crux lost stability and capsized while berthed at Pier 7 in the Port of Montevideo, Uruguay, on August 25, according to the country’s National Ports Administration (ANP).
In an official statement, ANP referred to the vessel as Alpha Cruz.
The incident occurred at approximately 19:30 local time, when the vessel developed a severe list to port while alongside.
All 41 crew members onboard were successfully evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
Uruguay’s National Naval Prefecture has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
According to preliminary information from ANP, the loss of stability may have been connected to internal operations taking place onboard the vessel shortly before the incident.
It is believed that the crew may have been transferring fuel from one tank to another when the vessel began listing.
Improper distribution of liquids between tanks can significantly affect a vessel’s stability, particularly when large quantities of fuel or other liquids are moved internally.
However, the exact sequence of events has not yet been officially confirmed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Following the accident, authorities immediately introduced safety and environmental protection measures around the affected berth.
The vessel’s maritime agent, Idernol Oriental Shipping, contracted specialist company Nueva Era Oil Spill Response Organization to respond to the incident.
The company deployed personnel, a response boat and pollution-control equipment to the scene.
Floating containment booms were placed around Alpha Crux, while an oily-looking liquid visible on the water surface was collected using pumping equipment.
ANP emphasized that a spill of liquid fuel had not been confirmed.
The substance initially observed around the vessel may instead have been bilge water, and authorities continued monitoring the area for any signs of pollution.
Tugboats and salvage specialists were also dispatched to the site as preparations began for securing and potentially recovering the capsized vessel.
The shipowner has started coordinating with its Protection and Indemnity insurer (P&I) to organize the salvage operation and deal with possible environmental and operational consequences.
The incident temporarily created additional risks inside the Port of Montevideo due to the vessel’s position alongside the berth and the possibility of fuel or other liquids escaping into the harbor.
Emergency teams therefore focused both on stabilizing the situation around Alpha Crux and preventing any possible contamination of the surrounding waters.
The successful evacuation of all 41 crew members meant that the accident resulted in no casualties, despite the vessel developing a significant list and eventually capsizing at the berth.
The investigation will now focus on the vessel’s stability condition, tank configuration, internal fuel-transfer operations and other factors that may have contributed to the sudden loss of stability.
Salvage planning and environmental monitoring around Alpha Crux are continuing while Uruguayan authorities work to establish the exact cause of the incident.
