Coastal clean-up operations are ramping up on South Africa’s West Coast following an oil spill caused by the MV Ultra Galaxy breaking up due to massive waves.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) reported that the Panama-registered general cargo vessel was grounded by a cold front that enveloped the western and northern Cape regions this past weekend.
Also read: Panama-flagged cargo ship causes oil spill off West Coast
According to SAMSA, this immediately led to the deployment of the country’s Oil Spill Contingency Plan to mop up the oil spill in the adjoining coastal area, which entailed the massing of manpower that initially involved some 125 people sourced from the local communities.
The national plan is managed by the country’s interim Incident Management Organisation (IMOrg), a virtual organisation chaired by the Department of Transport (DoT), with SAMSA serving as co-chair and secretariat.
South Africa’s preparedness forum for oil spills within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 1.5 million km² across the Atlantic, Southern and Indian Oceans was established in 2017. Members include State departments, private sector industries, and non-governmental institutions.
In a statement on Monday evening SAMSA said: ‘Clean-up operations continued throughout Monday (29 July 2024) following the oil spill from the grounded Panama-flagged cargo ship, MV Ultra Galaxy.’
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‘Clean-up teams, comprising of salvors and 125 local community members, have been diligently working to remove the oil that washed up onto the beach, covering an area of approximately one kilometre south of the wreck.’
‘The heavy swells and wind waves assisted in washing the oil onto the immediate beach, preventing any oil from drifting seawards and further down the coastline.’
‘The clean-up team will be increased tomorrow (Tuesday) as the operation continues throughout the week. The waste will be disposed-off in a responsible manner, as per the incident specific waste management plan. Because the oil has congealed into tar balls, it is making it easier to collect it from the sand.’
SAMSA said: ‘Severe and disruptive weather that battered the Western and Northern Cape coastline and over the past three (3) days caused the vessel to break into four (4) sections and one fuel tank ruptured causing an oil spill on to the immediate beach area.’
Meanwhile, with the oil spill mop-up phase undergo, SAMSA said: ‘Continuous monitoring of the vessel is being conducted through both aerial and surface surveys to track the extent of the spill and its environmental impact.’
‘The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Affairs, Forestry, and Fisheries, remains on standby.’
‘They are planning to set up a temporary stabilization facility in Lamberts Bay to respond swiftly should seabirds become affected by the spill as a precautionary measure. Active salvage work was paused due to the inclement weather and will resume once conditions allow safe access to the wreck.’
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‘Members of the public on the west Coast, from Brand se Baai to St Helena Bay, are requested to look out for any debris that may wash up on the beach, such as cargo bags, steel hatch covers, and other flotsam.’
‘Any findings should be reported to SAMSA through the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) at 021 938 3300 or 012 938 3303. The public is advised not to attempt to salvage any debris themselves, as proper disposal is crucial to minimize harm to people and the environment,’ said SAMSA, further committing to keeping the public updated of developments subject to availability of details.
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SA Maritime Safety Authority warns public of floating ship debris
Picture: Supplied / SAMSA