Wrecked Cargo Ship Sparks Urgent Cleanup as Oil Removal Efforts Abandoned

Pretoria, 23 August 2024 – The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has announced that the removal of the remaining oil and fuel from the wrecked cargo ship, MV Ultra Galaxy, is no longer feasible. The focus has now shifted to the removal of the shipwreck itself from the west coast of South Africa.

The MV Ultra Galaxy, a Panama-flagged cargo ship, ran aground on South Africa’s west coast in early July 2024. Since then, the vessel has been severely damaged by continuous stormy weather, eventually breaking into two pieces. This unfortunate event led to the loss of over 500 tons of oil and fuel, which spilled into the ocean, as well as the ship’s entire cargo of bagged fertilizer.

In the weeks following the grounding, cleanup teams have worked tirelessly to recover the spilled oil and fuel, much of which ended up on a nearby beach. SAMSA has confirmed that the majority of this oil has been successfully collected, and the beaches are now being closely monitored to prevent further contamination. Inspections conducted by foot, drone, and helicopter have shown that the area is mostly clear, with no visible oil slicks or pollution along the coast.

However, due to the severe damage to the ship and the likelihood that any remaining fuel tanks have been compromised, SAMSA has determined that removing any more oil from the wreck is no longer possible. Instead, the focus is now on removing the wreck from the coastline to prevent further environmental damage.

SAMSA has issued a tender for companies to assist with the wreck removal, and there has already been significant interest from both local and international firms. The removal process is expected to be a complex and delicate operation, given the condition of the wreck and the challenging weather conditions in the area.

Although the immediate threat of oil pollution has been largely mitigated, cleanup crews will remain on-site for at least the next few weeks. Their role will be to monitor the situation, especially during upcoming storm cycles, to ensure that no new pockets of oil or other pollutants emerge. The salvage team will also continue to report on the condition of the wreck, using drone footage and other monitoring tools to track any changes.

SAMSA has assured the public that they are committed to managing the situation effectively and minimizing any further environmental impact. The authority has also expressed its gratitude to all the teams involved in the cleanup efforts, as well as the local community, for their support and hard work during this challenging time.

Regular updates will be provided to keep the public informed as the situation develops. SAMSA remains focused on ensuring that the wreck is removed safely and that the affected area is restored to its natural state as quickly as possible.