Photo credit: SAMSA
Cape Town, 20 August 2024 – MV Ultra Galaxy. SANCCOB has been made aware of another oil spill from the MV Ultra Galaxy vessel. The cargo vessel, which originally ran aground on 9 July 2024, has sustained further damage due to ongoing storms on South Africa’s west coast.
SANCCOB have been on standby since the vessel grounded in early July and has set up a wildlife stabilisation facility in Lamberts Bay with the objective of swiftly mitigating the effects of oil on coastal birds.
The initial spill did not result in oiled wildlife; however, the stabilisation facility remained in place, due to the proximity of the grounded vessel to sensitive habitats in the area.
SANCCOB continues to work collaboratively with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and CapeNature to assess the situation and coordinate response efforts, if necessary. The immediate priority is to contain the oil spill and minimise its impact on the sensitive coastal environment. SANCCOB’s response plan includes the deployment of skilled staff to aid in the recovery of affected coastal birds.
Our conservation partner, CapeNature is conducting regular field assessments to search for any oiled seabirds. To date, no oiled seabirds or waterbirds have been recovered.
Sightings of oiled coastal birds must be reported to SANCCOB Cape Town on 021 557 6155 or 078 638 3731. We ask the public to remain vigilant and refrain from handling any affected birds.
SANCCOB will continue to provide updates on our involvement and response efforts as the situation develops.