Ultra Galaxy breaks up further and releases oil, CMA CGM Belem awaits berthing

More than 200 people are being drawn in to ramp up the clean-up of oil from the grounded MV Ultra Galaxy cargo vessel after the last few days’ wintry and stormy weather on South Africa’s west coast torn the wreck further into pieces, reports the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).

Read more: Investigation underway on Ultra Galaxy, salvage team prays for good weather

In a statement on Tuesday, SAMSA confirmed: “The grounded cargo ship, MV Ultra Galaxy, has sustained significant damage following the severe weather and high swells experienced over the weekend. The vessel has now broken up further, resulting in a release of oil onto the nearby beach.

“The MV Ultra Galaxy, which ran aground on the West Coast on 9 July 2024, has been the focus of ongoing salvage operations. However, the stormy weather over the past few days has exacerbated the situation, causing the wreck to split further, break apart and turn over, with almost the entire length of her hull now underwater.

Enhanced cleanup operations

“The aerial inspection conducted on 18 August 2024 and on Monday revealed oil in the surrounding waters, accompanied by a strong odour, indicating leaks. However, the oil that has escaped is drifting within the predicted drift patterns and is washing up on the immediate beaches, as predicted.

“It is too early to determine how much of the remaining oil has spilt from the wreck. SAMSA is coordinating closely with the salvage team and local authorities to manage the environmental impact of this latest development.

“Cleanup operations are in full swing, with 170 people currently involved in the cleanup effort. This number is set to increase to at least 200 by today (Tuesday) to address the immediate need for enhanced cleanup operations.

“Additional pollution patrols will be conducted along the length of the adjoining beaches, to ensure that no oil is drifting outside of the predicted area. Weather conditions will continue to be monitored closely to determine the most efficient, most suitable and safest course of action,” said SAMSA.

CMA CGM Belem awaiting berthing

Meanwhile, in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, SAMSA confirmed that the windswept Malta-flagged cargo vessel, CMA CGM Belem, is safe in Algoa Bay, awaiting berthing at Ngqurha deep water port.

Read more: Another CMA CGM vessel loses containers off the coast of South Africa

SAMSA stated: “Authorities are actively working to secure a berth for the vessel as soon as one becomes available. Currently, the weather conditions at the anchorage are calm, and there is no risk to the vessel while she remains at anchor.

“The CMA CGM Belem, a container ship sailing under the Maltese flag, encountered severe weather off the coast of Richards Bay on the night of 15 August 2024, resulting in a significant stow collapse and a loss of 99 containers overboard. The vessel, which measures 336 meters in length, 51 meters in height, and has a draft of 14.8 meters, had initially sought refuge at Maputo Bay but was redirected to Gqeberha.

“In response to the incident, the owners are cooperating with the authorities and a navigational warning has been issued for the safety of navigation of other vessels in the vicinity.

“Vessels traversing the ocean area, and the public, are requested to report any sightings of the lost containers to the relevant authorities,” SAMSA concluded.

_{The Malta-flagged CMA CGM Belem cargo vessel at the shelter in Algoa Bay / Photo: SAMSA}