Oil spill plan activated after wreck breaks apart
Stricken vessel breaks apart
SOUTH AFRICA: The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has confirmed that an oil contingency plan has been activated after the MV Ultra Galaxy began to break apart.
Local communities have been enlisted to assist with the mop up phase after the vessel broke into four sections overnight as a result of the severe weather which has continued to hamper salvage efforts.
"A pre-prepared Oil Spill Contingency Plan was initiated this (Sunday) morning, and additional personnel have been drafted in to assist with cleaning the spill. One hundred and 125 people were recruited from the local community to assist with the clean-up operation, and the communities in the area have been very supportive throughout this operation," said SAMSA.
Massive swells of 6 – 8 metres battered the vessel leading to larger cracks in the hull and ultimately the breaking apart of the vessel.
All essential resources needed to deal with the oil spill have been mobilised. The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) remains on standby, ready to respond should seabirds become affected.
In addition, aerial and surface surveys are continuing to assess the impact of the oil spill.
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