The 58 meter long, 800 dwt fishing vessel Sur Este 709 caught fire while berthed in Montevideo, Uruguay. The fire started in the fish processing compartment and quickly intensified by the stored packing materials in the compartment. The crew Sur Este 709 was unable to contain the blaze and local fire fighters arrived on scene. Fire fighters tried to contain the fire, but the fire had now spread through most of the superstructure. Authorities evacuated the pier and nearby vessels from the possible dangers of the fire spreading and the toxic dense smoke emitting from the holds of the trawler.

 

A short time later tugs were requested to tow the trawler away from the docks.  Authorities feared there was a strong threat of explosion from ammonia cylinder tankers stored on board. The trawler was towed some 300 meters away from the piers to a nearby anchorage where tugs and fire boats continued fire fighting efforts through out the night.

The Sur Este 709 became so waterlogged that it capsized and partially sank on its port side. Authorities placed booms around the trawler to contain any pollution released. Reports state the fire has gutted the vessel and it is a constructive loss.  No reports of injuries.