On the night of September 13, the 108 meter long, 8046 dwt cargo vessel Manisa Greta became disabled on the Atlantic Ocean off Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. The Manisa Greta had departed from Mindelo when it suffered an engine breakdown in stormy seas. Salvamento Maritimo dispatched the tug Miguel de Cervantes which was able to connect a line and bring the Manisa Greta under tow. Harbour tugs took over the tow several hours later and proceeded into Las Palmas. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. More reports on x.com.
On July 22, the 53 meter long, 2004 gt fishing vessel Argos Georgia sank in the Atlantic Ocean some 200 miles east of the Falkland Islands. The Argos Georgia had been fishing for Patagonian toothfish when it suffered water ingress. Unable to control the flooding, the 27 crew on board the Argos Georgia alerted authorities the vessel was sinking the crew were forced to abandon ship. r The crew struggled to launch life rafts as high winds and waves reaching 8 meters high continued to lash against the Argos Georgia.
After receiving the distress signal, authorities launched a search and rescue mission. Patrol vessels along with nearby fishing vessels began a search for survivors from the Argos Georgia. Reports state the patrol vessel Lilibet, fishing vessels Robin M Lee, and Puerto Toro searched the area along with multiple aircraft begun searching the area for life rafts. Rescuers were able to rescue some 14 of the 27 crew which were later taken to hospital for assessment. Nine bodies were also recovered during the operation. The remaining four missing crewmen were presumed deceased. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On July 10, the cargo vessel Ultra Galaxy went aground along a remote part of the west coast of South Africa known as Brand se Baai. The Ultra Galaxy had been abandoned days earlier when the cargo vessel had developed a heavy list and was in danger of capsizing. Authorities had dispatched two tugs to start salvage operations. Reports state the vessel had a full cargo of fertilizer in bags in the hold and fuel tanks loaded with fuel oil.
On July 12, a salvage team was working on site on the Ultra Galaxy. The cargo vessel had partially capsized and several cargo hatches had broken free. Authorities state the first goal is to remove the cargo along with fuel and hydraulic oil onboard to prevent further pollution being released. Teams are currently working the beach near the vessel and removing flotsam along with several cargo hatches from the beaches. Divers inspected the hull and attempted to seal the fuel tanks to prevent any further pollution being released.
On July 16, authorities reported the weather has improved and salvage efforts are continuing. Unfortunately, many of the hatches of the cargo vessel were open to the sea allowing much of the fertilizer cargo to be washed away. Some of the fertilizer bags have reached the shoreline, but much of the cargo has been released into the sea.
On July 28, salvage work on the Ultra Galaxy was slowed by bad weather. Salvage teams had been able to remove 8 tons of fuel oil and several oil drums off the vessel before another storm hit the area. Swells 7 meters high pounded the vessel which eventually caused the Ultra Galaxy to break up. The accommodation section broke off before the rest of the vessel split into several sections. Reports state an oil spill will impact the immediate area with pollution washing ashore. Authorities have deployed a team of some 125 people to the area to assist in the pollution cleanup.