Adverse weather is preventing salvors from getting to an Ultrabulk-controlled multipurpose general cargo ship that was driven ashore on the west coast of South Africa earlier this week.
Two anchor-handling tug supply vessels are standing by near the 13,800-dwt Ultra Galaxy (built 2008), awaiting a suitable break in the weather to resume operations, Transworld Fleet Management (TFM), the vessel’s technical manager, told TradeWinds on Friday.
“There are no initial reports of pollution and as a precautionary measure oil spill response equipment and assets have been mobilised, although operations are currently hampered by the adverse weather,” the ship manager said.
“We thank the local authorities and responders for the swift and coordinated actions so far. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the incident,” it added.
“The protection of the environment remains our top priority.”
The Ultra Galaxy was abandoned by its crew on Monday after developing a severe list while nearing the South African coastline while on a voyage to Tanzania with a cargo of bagged fertiliser.
The crew were rescued by a fishing vessel and landed safely on shore. TFM said there were no reports of any injuries to the seafarers.
The wreck of the Ultra Galaxy, which is lying on its starboard side in the surf zone, contains low-sulphur fuel oil in addition to other related oils.
Two AHTS vessels — the 16,300-bhp POSH Hawk (built 2013) and 16,000-bhp POSH Champion (built 2011) — from Singapore-based Pacc Offshore Services Holdings are attending the wreck.
They were dispatched from Cape Town shortly after the Ultra Galaxy first ran into trouble.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) said all efforts are currently focused on preparing the equipment that will allow salvors to access the vessel when the heavy weather subsides.
The maritime regulator said expert salvage teams are standing by at the scene, while pollution clean-up teams are removing flotsam from the beaches.
SAMSA has issued a navigation warning to all ships in the area to be on the lookout for any flotsam that could present a danger to navigation.
Bad weather has wreaked havoc off the South African coast throughout the week, closing ports and washing containers off ships. Weather forecasters have predicted the stormy conditions will continue on into next week
The S&P Global International Ships Register lists the Ultra Galaxy as being owned by Fujita Shoji of Japan, with protection and indemnity coverage provided by NorthStandard.
