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Argos Georgia

Argos Georgia

Argos Georgia

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.

Ultra Galaxy Updates

Ultra Galaxy Updates

Ultra galaxy
Photo: samsa.org.za

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.

 

Ultra Galaxy

Ultra Galaxy

Ultra Galaxy
Photo: samsa.org.za

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.

Ultra galaxy