A Croatian flagged vessel was detained at Algoa Bay near the city of Gqeberha by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) on 17 November in connection with an 80-litre oil spill at sea.
SAMSA was informed of the spillage and immediate containment and clean-up protocols were followed. ‘The South African Maritime Safety Authority 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 following an oil spill In Algoa Bay today,’ SAMSA said.
‘This spill occurred today at approximately 13h00 when a Croatian flagged vessel, MV Solin was taking bunkers offshore from the bunker tanker “Sea Express” while at the Algoa Bay anchorage number 1. It is estimated that at least 80 litres of Heavy Fuel Oil entered the seawater after a fuel tank on board the receiving vessel overflowed. Oil Spill booms were deployed and some clean-up operations have commenced.’
Transnet National Ports Authority, Department of Fisheries, Forestry ad Environment, The South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, South African National Parks, and SpilTech are all assisting in this operation, according to SAMSA.
Picture: SAMSA
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