Cargo Ship Breakup Triggers Massive Oil Spill on South Africa’s West Coast
Image Source: MV Ultra Galaxy, a Panama-flagged cargo ship, has broken into four sections after being battered by severe weather
Published by Everything ZA News
Cape Town – A severe environmental crisis is unfolding on South Africa’s west coast after a Panama-registered cargo ship, the MV Ultra Galaxy, broke apart in rough seas over the weekend, leading to a major oil spill.
The vessel, which ran aground on July 9th while carrying fertilizer, was battered by a powerful cold front that struck the Western and Northern Cape. This caused the ship to fracture into four sections, with one fuel tank rupturing and spilling oil onto the shoreline.
A swift response was initiated under the country’s Oil Spill Contingency Plan, with 125 local residents joining cleanup efforts coordinated by the Department of Transport and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). The oil slick has impacted approximately one kilometer of beach, but strong waves have prevented the pollution from spreading further.
Aerial and surface surveys are continuously monitoring the situation, while the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is on standby to rescue affected seabirds. Salvage operations have been temporarily halted due to adverse weather conditions.
The public is urged to report any debris from the ship to SAMSA’s Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre.
As the cleanup efforts continue, concerns grow over the potential long-term environmental impact of the disaster on the delicate coastal ecosystem.
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