VSG Glory Cargo Ship Salvage Operation Challenges Red Sea Recovery Efforts

In late November 2024, the maritime industry witnessed a complex salvage operation when the 300-foot coastal freighter VSG Glory ran aground on coral reefs near El Quseir, Egypt. The vessel, traveling from Hodeidah to Port Tawfiq, lost control due to strong winds, high waves, and a technical malfunction, resulting in significant hull damage.

Egyptian authorities mounted a coordinated response involving nearly a dozen agencies, including the defense ministry and the Ministry of Environment. Salvage teams deployed two large vessels to pump out fuel tanks and managed to extract 250 tons of contaminated water and fuel. Despite these efforts, the vessel carried 70 tonnes of fuel oil, posing a grave risk to the region's delicate coral reef ecosystem.

Divers attempted hull welding to seal a nearly two-foot-long penetration in the engine room, but the vessel's condition deteriorated rapidly. By December 2, just the bow remained visible above water, with the stern having slipped off the reef into deeper water.

The incident occurred near luxury resorts in an area known for its coral gardens and submerged caverns, where tourism significantly contributes to the local economy. Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad personally traveled to oversee the situation, emphasizing the government's commitment to environmental protection.

This operation underscores the complex challenges facing salvage operators when working in environmentally sensitive areas, balancing rapid response requirements with reef protection protocols. The incident has renewed discussions about maritime safety measures in the Red Sea's congested shipping lanes.