Oil escapes wreck during removal operations

Authority urges public to report oil sightings

SOUTH AFRICA: Discoveries of oil on the main beaches of Strandfontein on the West Coast last week have been confirmed by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to have emanated from the wreck of the Ultra Galaxy which is currently being removed by a Chinese contractor in the area.

SAMSA confirmed yesterday that clean-up operations had been initiated and that the risk of oil escaping during the wreck removal process had been “anticipated.”

The Authority has also emphasised that contingency measures had been put in place to respond to such an incident if necessary. SpillTech, a spill management company, has been on site from the onset of the removal operation to handle such incidents promptly and effectively.

In response to the spill, SAMSA activated its Pollution Response Plan immediately. The following measures have been implemented:

◼︎ A full survey of the affected areas to assess the extent of the spill.

◼︎ Deployment of additional absorbent booms to contain the oil and prevent further spread, this includes booming of the estuary as and when required.

◼︎ Mobilisation of an expanded clean-up workforce to accelerate recovery efforts.

According to social media posts by the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob), signs that the oil spill has affected wildlife are already emerging and sightings in the area are being monitored.

Regular monitoring on both sides of the Olifants River estuary, within Strandfontein and further South including the endangered Cape Gannet colony at Bird Island Nature Reserve in Lamberts Bay, are being undertaken by CapeNature. As of yesterday, no oiled wildlife has been reported beyond Strandfontein.

SAMSA is working closely with both Sanccob and Cape Nature, who remain on standby to respond should wildlife be affected.

Clean-up operations are already underway with a workforce of around 180 people in 12 teams and progressing steadily.

Once any oil is removed from the beaches, the fully loaded skip bins are loaded on a skip truck and shunted for offsite safe disposal at an accredited landfill facility.

“Oil spills are an inherent risk during wreck removal operations of this nature. However, SAMSA, alongside its partners, has taken all necessary precautions to respond quickly and mitigate the impact. The safety of marine life, local communities, and the environment remains our top priority,” noted Mbalenhle Golding, SAMSA’s Acting CEO.

PHOTO: SpillTech clean-up crew during the salvage operations that took place in 2024. (© Maritime Review Africa)

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