News24 | Wrecked cargo ship off SA coast breaks into four, crews rush to contain oil spill

An aerial view of the grounded MV Ultra Galaxy vessel last week. off the West Coast of South Africa. (South African Maritime Safety Authority)

For more financial news, go to the News24 Business front page.South Africa dispatched crews to contain an oil spill from a cargo vessel that ran aground earlier this month because of extreme weather conditions.

Strong waves eroded the hull of the 125-meter MV Ultra Galaxy, which beached at Brand se Baai northwest of Cape Town on 9 July.

Salvage workers removed several lube oil drums and about eight tons of marine gas oil from the fuel tanks in the wreck, before weather conditions deteriorated and delayed operations, according to a statement by the South African Maritime Safety Authority.

Powerful waves over the weekend broke the vessel into four parts, leading to an oil spill, SAMSA said in the statement. That’s triggered a contingency plan to bring in 125 people from the local community to assist.

“All attempts are being made to contain the spill within the immediate area, and cleaning operations will continue,” SAMSA said.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred

Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.