Uruguay Army investigates deaths of three soldiers during river training

Three members of the Uruguayan Army died during a tactical diving exercise in the Uruguay River near Fray Bentos on the night of October 29, 2026. The incident occurred during the 64th Tactical Diver Course near the Anglo pier, where participants were performing a nocturnal surface swimming drill.

According to official reports, approximately 20 personnel were participating in the exercise, connected by a safety rope. During the drill, a group became entangled with an underwater object, necessitating the emergency cutting of the rope. This resulted in four soldiers being submerged; three subsequently died, and a fourth was rescued and remains in intensive care.

Army Commander Mario Stevenazzi and Defense Minister Sandra Lazo have announced urgent administrative and judicial investigations to determine if safety protocols were followed and to identify the exact cause of the entanglement. The investigation will also examine the planning, authorization, and emergency response of the exercise. The area where the accident occurred is characterized by strong currents and depths of up to 20 meters.