[REVISION HISTORY]

Uruguayan Army training accident in Uruguay River

2 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-11-03 16:39 UTC → 2026-11-04 23:31 UTC · added ~~removed~~

On the night of October 29, 2026, three members of the Uruguayan Army died during a tactical diving exercise near Fray Bentos. The incident occurred during the 64th Tactical Diver Course while personnel were performing a nocturnal surface swimming drill in the Uruguay River. During the drill, approximately 20 personnel were connected by a safety rope. A group became entangled with an underwater object, leading to the emergency cutting of the rope to prevent further casualties. This resulted in four soldiers being submerged. Three soldiers, identified as Alférez Matías Vasella, Cabo de Primera Carlos Leandro Gómez, and Cabo Juan Rocha, died in the accident. A fourth soldier, Lieutenant Braian Ruiz, was rescued and resuscitated. As of November 1, 2026, he was reported to be in stable condition and moving toward intermediate care. Army Commander-in-Chief Mario Stevenazzi and Defense Minister Sandra Lazo have launched urgent administrative and judicial investigations. The inquiry, led by a general, aims to determine the cause of the entanglement, evaluate the adequacy of safety protocols, and examine the planning and emergency response of the exercise. While Stevenazzi stated there is no initial evidence of negligence, the investigation team was tasked with presenting preliminary findings within 48 hours. Following the tragedy, President Yamandú Orsi and Defense Minister Sandra Lazo signed a decree declaring 48 hours of national mourning on November 3 and 4. ~~During this period,~~ By November 4, the ~~national flag must fly at half-mast on public buildings, barracks, air bases,~~ Ministry of Defense confirmed it had received an urgent report containing technical elements to inform the administrative investigation, though the document remains confidential to protect the process and ~~warships. Additionally,~~ the ~~Intendencia~~ families. Senator Javier García has called for transparency to identify any failures, requesting that the Senate Defense Commission coordinate with the Minister of ~~Río Negro declared departmental mourning and will organize a symbolic tribute.~~ Defense. Separately, the Attorney General's Office is conducting an independent investigation.

Versions

Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.