Improved weather conditions off the west coast of South Africa have been crucial in advancing salvage operations for the stranded Panamanian freighter MV Ultra Galaxy. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) stressed Tuesday that focusing efforts on the rescue of the vessel, capsized on a remote beach northwest of Cape Town, is a priority.
MV Ultra Galaxy crew rescue and safety efforts
Built in 2008 and measuring 124.56 meters in length, the MV Ultra Galaxy was sailing to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, when it ran aground on July 9 after a severe tilt. ran aground on July 9 after a severe tilt, leading its 18 Filipino crew members to abandon ship.leading its 18 Filipino crew members to abandon ship. Fortunately, all were rescued unharmed from a life raft.
An initial assessment showed that the vessel was carrying a full cargo of fertilizer and low sulfur fuels, as well as hydraulic oils, located about 60 nautical miles west of Doring Bay at the time.
SAMSA’s main objective is to remove fuel and oils to prevent environmental contamination. During a recent meeting, it was reported that adverse weather conditions last week caused the loss of hatch covers, exposing cargo holds and resulting in the dispersal of much of the fertilizer.
Although some hatch covers have been recovered, warnings have been issued to ships and the general public to be on the lookout for, alerts have been issued to ships and the general public to be on the lookout for debris that may still be at sea or that could wash ashore. Most of the fertilizer is expected to have already dissolved in the water and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment is conducting an environmental monitoring program to oversee any potential impacts.
SAMSA’s warning on waste cleanup
SAMSA urged the public not to pick up or move any objects found on the beach, but to report them. The search for wreckage is being expanded taking advantage of the favorable weather and the local community is asked to report any debris they find on shore, from cargo bags to flotsam.
Salvage crews and divers are working to seal off the fuel tanks. fuel tanks and assess the structural integrity of the ship to plan for the safe removal of the oil and other debris. Although the vessel does not currently pose an environmental threat, all necessary measures are being taken to avoid any future risk.
It should be noted that the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is on standby to act quickly in the event of a spill.
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Source and photo: SAMSA
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