The cargo ship Ultra Galaxy, which ran aground off the west coast of South Africa on July 9, has suffered severe damage due to the extreme winter weather and heavy swell that hit the region over the weekend. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) reported that the ship has fragmented further, causing an oil spill on a nearby beach, which has mobilized more than 200 people to intensify clean-up efforts.
Fuel and oil spills from the Ultra Galaxy cargo ship
The Ultra Galaxy, which had already had already suffered severe damage after running agroundThe Ultra Galaxy, which had already suffered severe damage after running aground, is now almost completely submerged, with much of its hull underwater. The resulting oil spill has raised environmental concerns, and local authorities are working hard to contain the incident and mitigate the environmental impact.
[post_relacionado]Logistical efforts to clean up the oil spill have been complicated by adverse weather conditions. SAMSA and other agencies are working in the area to remove the wreck and minimize environmental damage.“The wreck has split and capsized, and almost the entire length of its hull is now underwater,” SAMSA said in a statement. In addition, the situation has led to an intensification of cleanup operations and planning for the removal of the remaining debris.
On the other hand, another maritime incident, has hit the South African coast. The Malta-flagged container ship CMA CGM Belem arrived in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape over the weekend, after having lost 99 containers at sea in the Indian Ocean.. The vessel is currently anchored in the port of Ngqurha, awaiting an available berth. Authorities have asked vessels sailing in the area and the public to report any sightings of the missing containers.
A busy year for SAMSA
SAMSA has indicated that 2024 has been one of its busiest years, due to significant adjustments and changes in global trade patterns, with a portion of the world’s merchant fleet avoiding the Red Sea and opting for routes passing off the coast of South Africa.
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Source and photo: SAMSA