On May 17, a product tanker, loaded with nearly 35000 tons of vegetable oil, reportedly suffered some engine failure which resulted in running aground near Isla de Lobos, off Punta del Este, Uruguay.
The vessel was en route from Argentina to Rio Grande, Brazil when the vessel suffered loss of power and control.
The spokesperson of the Navy, Gaston Jaunsolo, reported to have said that the ship ran aground on Tuesday and the crew were safely rescued. The naval vessel Vanguardia was rushed to the scene with tugboats as well as several divers to aid in rescue operations. Several containment booms were also placed to mitigate the possible spillage of cargo. So far no cargo spill has been reported or observed.
He added that since cargo is a biodegradable vegetable oil it may not cause any major issues to the environment problems.
Source: El Observador
