Russian ship partially sinks in Montevideo port; oil spill response activated

A Russian fishing vessel, the Alpha Cruz, partially sank in the port of Montevideo after an accident occurred during a fuel transfer operation. The vessel, docked at pier 7, began listing heavily to port, lost stability, and ended up semi-submerged. Prefectura, the port authority, along with tugboats and a salvage company, responded to the incident. The salvage firm is currently assessing recovery options with the ship's owner. To prevent environmental damage, an oil spill response was immediately activated. Specialized companies deployed barriers around the vessel to contain and recover oily liquids. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the maritime incident. In a separate development, social organizations are demanding the suspension of Uruguay's offshore oil exploration contracts. Groups like the Mar Libre de Petroleras Uruguay Assembly and the Society for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Maldonado (Socobioma) have filed a lawsuit seeking to nullify contracts for oil exploration. They argue that the contracts have an illicit object and cause, violating environmental public order, constitutional protections, and Uruguay's designation of its waters as a Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary. The organizations are requesting a precautionary measure to halt contract execution while the legal case proceeds.