The 124 meter long, 13,802 dwt cargo vessel Ultra Galaxy (IMO: 9449352) became disabled some 60 nautical miles west of Doring Bay, South Africa. The vessel was heading to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania when it suffered a heavy list. The 18 crew on board were unable to right the vessel and feared the Ultra Galaxy would capsize as winds reached 12 knots per hour and swells reaching up to 6 meters. The 18 crew onboard determined the vessel was lost and abandoned ship in one of the vessel’s life rafts.
Alerted by an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) from the Ultra Galaxy, authorities sent out a broadcast to nearby vessels for assistance. Two nearby cargo vessels Fivos and Rio Grande Express changed course to assist. A nearby fishing vessel Malachite also diverted and aided with rescue efforts. These vessels were able to find the Ultra Galaxy life raft and were able to safely transfer all 18 crew to the Malachite. No reports of injuries.
