The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has activated its emergency response plan for the Richard’s Bay area. A team comprised of all the relevant environment and disaster response agencies has been mobilised to put in place necessary measures to protect the coastline against any possible pollution from the MV Smart, which ran aground off Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday.
As at 13h00 today the vessel’s fuel tanks were still intact, however several cargo hatches have sustained damage resulting in the release of some coal cargo. A monitoring plan is currently being prepared to investigate the potential impact of coal and coal dust pollution on the surrounding marine environment.
At present, the department’s immediate priority is to close off the Mhlathuze Sanctuary - located south of the wreckage – from any possible oil spills. The sanctuary is considered important, from both conservation and social perspective, because it is a breeding and nursing area for important fish species, and it provides a home to over 20 000 birds of various types. It is an area that provides important life-supporting and recreational benefits.
The department, working closely with the local authorities, has put in place steps to respond as quickly as possible to any oil spills that may affect the nearby beaches, and continues to remain on high alert should the situation deteriorate.
For media queries contact:
Zolile Nqayi
Tel: 021 819 2423
Cell: 082 898 6483
