Oil Spill Clean-Up Intensifies in South Africa After ‘Ultra Galaxy’ Wreck Breaks Apart

Authorities are intensifying efforts to clean up oil from the grounded MV Ultra Galaxy cargo vessel on South Africa’s west coast after severe weather that cause the wreck to break up further.

Th South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) said over 200 personnel are being mobilized to ramp up the clean-up of oil after recent stormy weather further damaged the vessel, causing the release of additional oil.

The Ultra Galaxy, a 124.56-meter-long vessel built in 2008, has been grounded along the west coast of South Africa since July 9th, when the vessel developing a severe list while en route from Malaga, Spain, to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. All 18 Filipino crew members abandoned the ship and were successfully rescued.

In a statement, SAMSA confirmed that the grounded ship has sustained further significant damage due to severe weather and large swells over the weekend. An aerial inspection on Sunday, August 18, detected oil in the surrounding waters, accompanied by a strong odor, suggesting additional leaks. The oil is drifting within predicted patterns and washing up on local beaches.

SAMSA is working closely with the salvage team from Smit Salvage and local authorities to mitigate the environmental impact. Cleanup operations are ongoing, with 170 people currently involved, however this number is set to increase to at least 200.

Additional pollution patrols will monitor oil containment, and weather conditions will be assessed to ensure safety.

The public is urged to report any sightings of oil or debris along the West Coast and to refrain from attempting to salvage debris, as proper disposal is crucial to minimizing environmental harm.

The cause of the grounding remains under investigation.

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