More than a month after the general cargo vessel “Ultra Galaxy” ran aground off South Africa, the ship is still keeping the region busy. Heavy storms caused the ship to break apart further.
Over 200 people are working to help remove the leaking oil. Another ship reported that a crew member went overboard.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) announced that the “Ultra Galaxy”, which ran aground on 9 July, was significantly damaged by the severe weather conditions over the weekend. Three weeks ago, strong waves had already destroyed the ship. Now the damage has increased further, causing oil to spread onto a nearby beach.
“Ultra Galaxy” almost completely submerged
According to SAMSA, almost the entire hull of the general cargo ship is now underwater. The “Ultra Galaxy” (13,800 dwt), operated by Ultrabulk and sailing under the flag of Panama, was on its way to Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania when it ran aground off South Africa.
CMA CGM’s “Belem” lost almost 100 containers in the storms last Thursday. The ship then sought refuge in Algoa Bay and is now anchored in the port of Ngqura until a berth can be found. A month earlier, the “Benjamin Franklin” had already lost 40 containers in a similar storm. In the meantime, container shipping in the region had come to a complete standstill.
“Serenity Diva”: crew member missing
SAMSA also reported that a crew member of the Liberian-flagged “Serenity Diva” went overboard on Monday. The bulker was approximately 44 nm south of Port Elizabeth at the time of the accident. The search for the missing seaman is still ongoing; the nearby vessels “Cedric Oldendorff” and “Honah Son” have been contacted by the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC, based in Cape Town) to assist.
