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Wrecked cargo ship on SA West Coast breaks up, spills more oil

The cargo ship MV Ultra Galaxy, which ran aground on South Africa’s West Coast in July, has suffered further damage due to recent wintry and stormy weather.

The severe conditions have caused the vessel to break apart even more, releasing oil onto nearby beaches and prompting a significant escalation in cleanup efforts.

“The vessel, which has been the focus of ongoing salvage operations since it ran aground on 9 July, 2024, has now split further, with much of its hull submerged,” the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) said in a statement.

“An aerial inspection conducted on 18 August, 2024, revealed oil in the surrounding waters, accompanied by a strong odour, indicating leaks from the wreck.”

SAMSA reported that the oil spill is drifting within the expected patterns and washing up on the immediate beaches.

While the extent of the spill remains unclear, SAMSA is working closely with the salvage team and local authorities to manage the environmental impact.

“It is too early to determine how much of the remaining oil has spilled from the wreck,” the statement noted.

With over 170 people involved in the cleanup effort at the beginning of the week, SAMSA planned to increase this number to at least 200.

Ship runs aground

The Ultrabulk-managed MV Ultra Galaxy, a 124-metre long general cargo ship, ran aground off the coast of Brand se Baai on the West Coast, 385 kms north of Cape Town on 9 July.

The entire 18-member Filipino crew was rescued after escaping the listed vessel in a life raft (a list is tilting due to taking on water.) The incident occurred during swells of between five and six meters.

At the time, the 13 800 metric-ton Panama-registered vessel was said to have a full load of fertilizer bags onboard, as well as low-sulphur bunkering fuel and hydraulic and related oils.

The vessel was abandoned by its crew after it listed heavily, and eventually grounded a day later. Image: SAMSA

Efforts to prevent a fuel and oil spill were hampered by more extreme weather at the end of July, which caused the vessel to break into four sections.

“One fuel tank ruptured, causing an oil spill onto the immediate beach area,” SAMSA said of the initial spill.

Following this second spill, additional pollution patrols are being conducted along the adjoining beaches to ensure that no oil drifts outside the predicted area.

SANCCOB on high alert after oil spills

The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) meanwhile have been on standby since MV Ultra Galaxy first ran aground. They have set up a wildlife stabilisation facility in Lamberts Bay to quickly mitigate the potential effects of oil on coastal birds.

“The initial spill did not result in oiled wildlife; however, the stabilisation facility remained in place, due to the proximity of the grounded vessel to sensitive habitats in the area,” SANCCOB said.

A note to the public

SAMSA said that weather conditions will continue to be monitored closely to determine the safest and most efficient course of action.

The authority has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of oil or debris along the West Coast. They have also warned against attempts to salvage debris, to minimise harm to the environment and surrounding communities.

Have you noticed any oil or debris from this wreck?

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