The South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) says salvage work to remove the Ultra Galaxy wreck is ongoing and all discharged oil has been contained to the immediate area surrounding the vessel.
The Ultra Galaxy ran aground on 9 July 2024 near the town of Lutzville on the west coast of South Africa after developing a severe list during a storm while sailing south. All crew members were successfully rescued from the vessel.
Samsa Acting CEO Mbalenhle Golding said the removal of the wreck was a “critical step”
in protecting the marine environment and ensuring safe navigation.
“We are confident in the operation plan, which prioritises pollution control, environmental compliance, and local economic benefits,” said Golding.
Shanghai Salvage Co. has been appointed to carry out the wreck removal operation.
So far, more than 3 748 tonnes of material had been successfully removed from the seabed and wreckage and transported via tug and barge for safe disposal in Saldanha Bay, said Samsa.
Hazardous waste is managed in accordance with the Waste Management Plan, with steel being processed in Cape Town, while other hazardous materials are handled at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Vredehoek Hazardous Waste Disposal Site.
Pollution response and environmental compliance efforts are being led by SpillTech and include the deployment of a workboat towing absorbent booms around the wreck during the cutting process as well as booming off the engine and aft sections to contain any potential oil spills.
“Samsa can confirm that any remaining oil that may have escaped or recharged from the wreckage removal programme was contained to the immediate area around the wreckage and beach and did not drift further south,” the authority said.
Samsa said it was conducting regular inspections along with the DFFE to ensure compliance with environmental standards. A final joint inspection will be undertaken to confirm that the site has been restored to its natural state before Samsa issues formal cessation approval.
The operation is expected to be completed within the next three to four months.
