Oil Clean-Up Efforts Intensify After MV Ultra Galaxy Ship Breaks Further In Rough Weather

Stormy weather along South Africa’s west coast has caused the already grounded cargo vessel MV Ultra Galaxy to break apart even further.

According to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the breakage has led to a major oil spillage, intensifying clean-up efforts.

The MV Ultra Galaxy, a 124.56-meter-long cargo vessel built in 2008, was grounded on July 09, 2024, while en route from Malaga, Spain, to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The adverse weather conditions over the weekend worsened the issue, causing the vessel to sustain further damage and eventually break.

An aerial inspection on August 18, 2024, revealed that the ship’s hull had split further, with nearly the entire length sunken.

The inspection also detected oil in the surrounding waters, drifting within predicted directions and washing up on nearby beaches.

In response to the environmental threat, SAMSA is working closely with the salvage team at Smit Salvage and local authorities to manage the situation.

Cleanup operations involving 170 personnel have been expanded to include over 200 people to address the immediate need for increased efforts.

SAMSA stated that further pollution patrols will be carried out along the length of the surrounding beaches to ensure that no oil drifts outside the predicted areas. Additionally, weather conditions will be continuously monitored to identify the most appropriate, effective and safest course of action.

The public has been urged to remain cautious and report any sightings of oil or debris on the West Coast. SAMSA also cautions the public not to attempt to salvage debris on their own, highlighting the need for proper disposal to reduce environmental harm.

The cause of the vessel’s grounding is still under investigation.

In a related incident, SAMSA confirmed that the container ship CMA CGM Belem, which met heavy weather off the coast of Richards Bay on August 15, causing a major stow collapse and the loss of 99 containers overboard, has safely anchored at the Port of Ngqurha in Algoa Bay.

Authorities are arranging a berth for the vessel, and a navigational warning has been issued to ensure the safety of other ships in the area.

SAMSA continues to actively monitor both incidents closely and will provide updates as they unfold.

Reference: SAMSA

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