Product Tanker Aground off Uruguay

A product tanker loaded with vegetable oil has gone aground off Isla de Lobos, near Punta del Este, Uruguay. 

Armed forces spokesperson Gaston Jaunsolo told El Espectador that she had gone aground Tuesday, and said that the crew was out of harm's way. He added that while no pollution has yet been observed, in the event of any cargo spill, the vegetable oil is biodegradable. Navy divers and other responders have deployed a containment boom as a precautionary measure while they determine whether there was any damage to the ship. 

The naval vessel Vanguardia was dispatched to assist. AIS tracking data Wednesday shows the tanker attended by the tugs Punta del Este and Matrero. Tracking and media reports give the name of the ship as the Siteam Anja; the Anja’s owner did not immediately return a request for comment. 

Punta del Este is a popular seaside resort, and Isla de Lobos is 8km south of the mainland's shores. 

Local media report that she was en route from Argentina to Rio Grande, Brazil and went aground following propulsion problems.