Ultra Galaxy Ship Cleanup Nears Completion After Severe Storm Grounding

The cleanup operation for the grounded bulker Ultra Galaxy is nearing completion, with efforts focused on removing oil and debris from the vessel. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) issued a tender for the removal of the remains of the ship, as most of the fuel and fertilizer cargo have either been retrieved or lost at sea. Salvage efforts for the wrecked Panama-flagged general cargo vessel are no longer feasible, and SAMSA believes that all the oil aboard the vessel has been released due to the vessel breaking apart in winter storms.

SAMSA has reported that inspections conducted on the beaches show that the oil has been cleaned up, with no visible slick or contamination along the shoreline. While crews have been reduced, monitoring for fuel coming ashore will continue as a precautionary measure. The fertilizer cargo from the vessel was released when the hatch covers were dislodged, but SAMSA has conducted sample testing and found no negative impact on the environment.

The Ultra Galaxy, sailing from Spain to Tanzania, was caught in severe winter storms off the coast of South Africa, leading to its grounding. The 18 Filipino crewmembers were rescued after abandoning ship, and the vessel washed ashore on the west coast, eventually breaking apart due to subsequent storms. Efforts to pump fuel from the tanks were hindered by the vessel’s condition, leading to the release of fuel and cargo into the ocean.

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