The “Nuevo Atún” with Spanish crew and YJVA5 registry, had a full hold with 120 tons of tuna and shark fins. The cargo supposedly was to be transhipped to Europe. The vessel was unable to show the documentation from Vanuatu or the origin of the cargo.
Accourding to Uruguayan authorities the vessel and owners could be charged for illegally fishing in Uruguayan waters and for attempting to introduce an undeclared cargo to the country in violation of customs rules.
“Nuevo Atun” was launched in 1975, refurbished in 2003 and allegedly incorporated under Vanuatu flag last August following a seaworthiness inspection in Vigo, Spain.
