Emergency teams are fighting to protect some of the world’s most unique and fragile ecosystems after 600 gallons of oil spilled into the waters around the Galapagos Islands when a cargo vessel overturned.

The barge sank on Sunday after a crane at the La Predial dock of San Cristobal - the easternmost island of the Galapagos archipelago - fell while unloading cargo.

The crane was taking off a container holding an electricity generator when it fell into the vessel, causing it to sink. Raul Ledesma, Ecuador's environment minister, said the sunken generator was the source of the oil seen in the water. The attorney general's office said that one person was injured in the incident.

Video appears to show the crane losing control of the container and then falling on the ship. All three then tip over into the sea, forcing the crew to jump off the ship as it began to capsize.

Mr Ledesma said on Monday that the situation is under control but added that authorities are "very concerned" about recovery of the vessel, which was carrying the fuel for its own operations.