Over 500 tons of oil and fuel, as well fertiliser were lost at sea due to stormy weather on Friday.
The goods leaked from a beached vessel, now overturned and broken in two, the MV Ultra Galaxy.
The vessel was grounded in early July 2024.
The South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA) said “following extensive assessments conducted over the past few days, it has been confirmed that the MV Ultra Galaxy has completely broken up due to the severe weather conditions experienced last weekend.”
SAMSA also said without hatch covers, the cargo holds were left vulnerable and consequently, the ship’s entire load of fertilizer cargo was swept away by the sea.
In addition to low amounts of hydraulic and related oils, she had 332 tons of VLSFO (low sulphur) and 180 tons of MGO in her tanks as bunker fuel.
In July, salvors were able to remove eight (8) tonnes of bunkering marine gas oil from the wreck.
On Friday SAMSA said: “Given the extent of the damage, the likelihood of any intact fuel tanks remaining on the vessel is highly unlikely. Consequently, the initial plan to pump the remaining oil from the wreck with the assistance of the Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) is no longer feasible.”
Inspections conducted by foot, drone, and helicopter on Wednesday, indicate that the oil on the mining beaches has been cleaned and that there is no visible oil slick or contamination along the beaches, extending as far down as the Olifants River mouth on the West Coast and five (5) km north of the wreck.
A tender invitation to attract suitable services providers is underway.
Picture: SAMSA