CAPE TOWN, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Coastal cleanup operations are ramping up on South Africa's west coast after an oil spill caused by the breakup of a grounded cargo vessel on the weekend, said the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) Tuesday.
"This immediately led to the deployment of the country's Oil Spill Contingency Plan to mop up the oil spill in the adjoining coastal area, and which entailed the massing of manpower that initially involved some 125 people sourced from the local communities," SAMSA said on its social media account.
The grounded Panama-flagged general cargo vessel, MV Ultra Galaxy, was en route to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania when it ran aground on July 9 off the coast of the Western Cape Province in South Africa.
The ship was abandoned by its crew of 18 Filipino seafarers, who are now safely back in the Philippines. According to SAMSA, the 125-meter-long vessel broke apart into four sections over the weekend in stormy conditions, leading to an oil spill.
"Cleanup operations continued throughout Monday following the oil spill from the grounded Panama-flagged cargo ship, MV Ultra Galaxy," said SAMSA in a statement Monday evening.
"Cleanup teams, comprising of salvors and 125 local community members, have been diligently working to remove the oil that washed up onto the beach, covering an area of approximately one km south of the wreck," it said, adding that the teams will be increased as the operations continue throughout the week.
The maritime safety agency also noted that continuous monitoring of the vessel is being conducted through both aerial and surface surveys to track the extent of the spill and its environmental impact. "The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Affairs, Forestry, and Fisheries, remains on standby," ready to respond should seabirds become affected, it said.
While requested to look out for and report any debris that may wash up on the beach, such as cargo bags, steel hatch covers, and other flotsam, "the public is advised not to attempt to salvage any debris themselves, as proper disposal is crucial to minimize harm to people and the environment," SAMSA added.
