South Africa Completes First Phase of Ultra Galaxy Recovery Operation

South African officials have announced the completion of the first phase of the recovery operation for the grounded bulker Ultra Galaxy. Progress has been made due to a break in the harsh winter weather, although another cold front is expected to pass through the area in the coming days. The vessel developed a severe list during a winter storm on July 9 off the west coast of South Africa, leading the crew to abandon ship and be rescued by a fishing boat before the vessel drifted and grounded on a remote part of the Atlantic coast.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) reported that the immediate emergency phase of the salvage operation has ended, with a new salvage company, Smit International, appointed to continue the next phase. Dive inspections have confirmed the structural integrity of the ship and its fuel tanks, with plans to install a monitoring system to track the vessel’s movement and stresses while it lies on its side in the surf. A bathymetric survey is also being conducted to assist in planning for the removal of the Ultra Galaxy.

High seas following the grounding of the ship caused hatch covers to dislodge and wash ashore, while the cargo of bagged fertilizer was exposed to the ocean, leading to plastic bags washing up on shore. SAMSA has announced that a platform supply vessel will be anchored near the wreck to help stabilize the ship, with plans to offload the fuel and other oils. However, with more severe weather expected in the coming days, the pace of the recovery efforts may be impacted, raising concerns about the potential for the vessel to break apart.

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