Two salvage tugs have been dispatched to try to save an Ultrabulk-controlled multipurpose general cargo ship in critical condition off South Africa’s west coast.

The 13,800-dwt Ultra Galaxy (built 2008) was abandoned by its crew on Monday morning after it took on a dangerous list 60 nautical miles (111 km) west of Doringbaai.

Conditions at the time included winds of up to 12 knots and swells five to six metres.