Work to rescue a grounded cargo vessel, the MV Ultra Galaxy, is expected to restart this week after stormy weather tossed it over earlier in July.
Speaking to media and stakeholders on site, Richard Robertson, General Manager of Smit Salvage South Africa, said after retrieving about eight (tons) of lubricating oils and low sulphur fuels a week or so ago, days of inclement weather descended on the ocean area, eventually leaving the vessel battered and in the process, breaking into four pieces.
This, he said, led to a breach of some of fuel and oils holding tanks resulting in a spillage that has since soiled the adjacent coastal area and about which a major clean up had since ensued.
He said assessments are ongoing to determine how much oil is left in the vessel.
“That is our biggest challenge at the moment, to find out where that oil is, how much that is, and can we get access to that oil, and then be able to get it out” he said.
Tau Morwe, Acting CEO of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), said there are resources to deal with the crisis at hand, including oil spillage.
Spill tech, volunteers and local colmmunities have assisted in cleaning up the oil that washed out on the beach over the weekend.
Pictures: SAMSA