Salvage Efforts To Prevent Cargo Vessel From Running Aground On Cape West Coast

Maritime safety officials are in a race against time to prevent a 124m-long cargo vessel from running aground on the Cape West Coast.

The Panama-registered general cargo vessel, MV Ultra Galaxy, is drifting dangerously close to shore near Brand se Baai. According to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), salvage operations are currently underway to avert a potential disaster.

The 18-member crew of the MV Ultra Galaxy were rescued from a life raft on Tuesday and safely returned to shore.

The vessel remains unmanned, and the rough sea conditions add to the complexity of the salvage efforts. SAMSA has indicated that the situation is being closely monitored as the vessel continues to drift towards the coast.

Two tugs have been deployed to try to salvage the stricken vessel. The MV Ultra Galaxy was en route to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania when it encountered difficulties. There are significant concerns that the vessel may sink before the salvors can tow it to safety.

SAMSA has warned of a potential pollution risk, as the nature of the cargo on board remains unclear.

The primary focus of the ongoing efforts is to salvage the vessel and mitigate any environmental impact. “With the crew safely rescued, all efforts are fully focused on salvaging the vessel,” SAMSA stated.

The situation remains critical, and the maritime safety officials are doing everything in their power to prevent the MV Ultra Galaxy from running aground, which could lead to severe environmental damage and further complications.