Africa-Press – South-Africa. Clean-up operations are underway after an oil spill in Algoa Bay.
According to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the oil spill took place on Monday at around noon, during a ship-to-ship transfer of oil.
“SAMSA has initiated all relevant oil spill response teams as per the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan to assist with the containment and clean-up operation,” said SAMSA spokesperson Tebogo Ramatjie.
“All the relevant pollution response units have been activated, and booms deployed to contain the oil around the vessels.”
Fearing oil spills, activists oppose licences for ship to ship fuel transfers in Algoa Bay
Teams worked through the night to collect the oil and the two ships would remain attached to help with the containment of the oil, added Ramatjie.
Ramatjie said:
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is also ready to receive oiled birds.
SANCCOB’s preparedness and response manager Monica Stassen said the organisation was working closely with the relevant authorities.
“No oiled seabirds have been reported at this stage. However, as part of our internal preparedness strategy, our response teams in Cape Town and Gqeberha are on standby in the event that we need to mobilise people and equipment.
“SANCCOB’s facility in Gqeberha is ready to receive birds and our Cape Town team is ready to fly to the Eastern Cape at short notice if oiled birds are identified,” Stassen added.
Never miss a story. Choose from our range of newsletters to get the news you want delivered straight to your inbox.
For More News And Analysis About South-Africa Follow Africa-Press
