The general cargo ship “Ultra Galaxy” ran aground northwest of Cape Town at the beginning of the week. Salvage work has now begun to secure the ship’s fuel and cargo.
According to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the ship is almost completely stranded on its side in a coastal area called Duiwegat, which is characterised by a rugged rocky landscape with sections of sandbanks.
Weather complicates rescue work
Salvage experts are on-site examining the surroundings and the ship. The focus of the work is still on preparing the necessary equipment to allow the salvage teams access to the ship. This is still being prevented by the severe storms off the South African coast, which have been raging for almost a week.
According to SAMSA, several teams are already on their way to remove flotsam from the beaches. A warning has also been issued to ships in the area to be on the lookout for floating debris that could pose a hazard to shipping. The cargo of the freighter consisted mainly of low-sulphur fuel, hydraulic oils and fertilizers in bags.
Crew of the “Ultra Galaxy” safe
The Panama-registered and Ultrabulk-operated “Ultra Galaxy” (13,800 dwt) was on its way to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania when it ran aground on Tuesday due to excessive list. The 18-member Filipino crew had to abandon the ship and were able to leave it unharmed.
After abandoning the ship, all crew members were rescued from a life raft and evacuated by the fishing vessel Malachite, initially to St. Helena Bay, where they received routine medical care.
