Stranded cargo ship leaks oil off the west coast of South Africa

A cargo ship that ran aground off the west coast of South Africa during a severe storm last month leaked oil after waves ripped the vessel apart.

The 125-metre MV Ultra Galaxy, which ran aground in Brand se Baai, northwest of Cape Town, on July 9, has been battered by heavy seas in recent days, causing the wreck to capsize, according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority. An aerial inspection found oil washing up in surrounding waters and on the nearby beach.

“It is too early to determine how much of the remaining oil has leaked from the wreck,” SAMSA said in a statement. Around 170 people are involved in the clean-up effort.

Due to recent severe weather off the east coast of South Africa, the CMA CGM Belem lost 99 containers near Richards Bay, SAMSA said in a separate statement over the weekend. A warning was issued that it may not be safe for ships to navigate through the area.