Russian Fishing Vessel Sinks at Montevideo Dock After Fuel Transfer Error

The Russian-flagged fishing vessel Alpha Crux sank at its berth in Montevideo, Uruguay, after authorities suspect an error during a fuel transfer caused it to lose stability. All 41 crewmembers were evacuated without injuries, and the berth has been secured while an investigation continues. The vessel, built in Spain in 2003 and measuring 50 meters (164 feet) with a gross tonnage of 946, was docked when an emergency call was issued around 7:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday, 25 Aug 2026. The ship began listing to port and reported a loss of stability while transferring fuel between tanks before ultimately sinking. Personnel from Uruguay's National Ports Administration (ANP) and the Montevideo Port Prefecture took control of the site and activated emergency protocols, overseeing the crew evacuation. The shipping agency Idernol Oriental Shipping contracted specialist operator Nueva Era Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO) to carry out environmental protection measures, deploying a boat, personnel, and floating containment booms around the vessel. An extraction pump was also used to recover oily liquids seen on the surface, initially believed to be bilge water, though no fuel spill has been confirmed. The shipowner has begun coordinating with its P&I insurer to arrange salvage of the vessel, expected to start in the coming days. Alpha Crux had operated under the Russian flag since 2023 and was fishing for Antarctic toothfish under a license valid through the end of August 2026.