On the night of October 13, the 41 meter long, 389 gt fishing vessel Armana (IMO: 5024611) caught fire on the South Atlantic Ocean 60 nautical miles south of Gansbaai on the Western Cape, South Africa. Unable to contain the blaze and fearing the 62 year old fishing vessel was likely to sink, the 20 crew on board abandoned the fishing trawler into 2 life rafts. The nearby fishing vessel Ludwani was able to safely rescue all 20 crew without incident.
Photo: SAMSA
Authorities state the Armana remained afloat until the following day when it finally sank. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has launched an investigation into the incident. The source of the fire was not reported.
On September 12, the 66 meter long, 2018 dwt offshore supply vessel AM Pride (IMO: 9359167) caught fire some 48 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay, South Africa. The fire started in the vessel’s galley and quickly got out of control. The vessel contacted its owner who relayed the distress call to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). Authorities broadcasted an alert to nearby vessel to assist the AM Pride.
Before any vessel’s arrived on scene to assist the AM Pride, the crew of the offshore vessel abandoned ship into life rafts. The vessel’s owner dispatched a helicopter to the scene and were able to rescue all 15 crew members. Reports state there were strong winds and high swells that made the rescue effort difficult, but no reports of injuries.
Authorities report the AM Pride will be taken under tow by a tug to a secure location. No details reported on extent of damage of the fire and if any pollution had been released.
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.
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
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.
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
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.
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
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.
