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Tag: South Africa

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

Umhlali

Umhlali

Umhlali
On April 13, the 30 meter long tugboat Umhlali was struck by the 200 meter long, 21037 dwt car carrier CSCC Asia in Durban harbour, South Africa. The CSCC Asia was departing from Durban with a pilot on board when it veered forward and pinned the berthed Umhlali against the quay. The CSCC Asia sustained no damaged, but the Umhlali sustained damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The CSCC Asia departed the following day for Luanda. No further details reported.

CMA CGM Samson

CMA CGM Samson

CMA CGM Samson
Photo: iol.co.za

On April 3, the 335 meter long, 101383 dwt container ship CMA CGM Samson ran aground in Cape Town, South Africa. The CGMA CGM Samson had departed from Singapore with over 1,000 containers on board.  After stopping at Reunion Island, the vessel proceeded on its voyage to Cape Town. As it entered the harbour in Cape Town and headed towards the container terminal, the bow of the boxship struck the south breakwater. Three tugs were dispatched and were able to refloat the CMA CGM Samson. The tugs escorted the boxship to its berth where it was surveyed for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the CMA CGM Samson may have run aground due to entering the harbour at low tide.