An improvement in weather and sea conditions has enabled salvors to commence with preparations for the removal of 660 tonnes of fuel currently onboard the bulk carrier Seli 1, which ran aground shortly before midnight on Monday, 7 September 2009 at Table View, Cape Town.
The removal of the casualty’s fuel is a proactive measure to ensure that risk to the environment from oil pollution is reduced and all relevant authorities have activated contingency plans so as to minimise impact should there be a spill.
The Department of Environmental Affairs pollution patrol aircraft Kuswag 9 has over flown the casualty a number of times since she ran aground and whilst reporting a light sheen on the water, continues to confirm the onboard salvage team’s reports that no significant amounts of oil are leaking from the vessel. A small quantity of oil that washed up on the beach in the vicinity of the casualty yesterday will be cleaned up by the City of Cape Town.
The Seli 1’s engine room remains tidal and is open to the sea, indicating that structural damage was sustained when the vessel ran aground. Surveys being undertaken today will assess the extent of this damage. Fuel tanks remain intact and the removal of the fuel onboard the Se Li 1 is a priority. To this end a fuel removal plan is being finalised in consultation with relevant authorities and preparations for this phase of the salvage operation continue, including the identification of suitable vessels to receive the fuel pumped off of the casualty and the mobilisation of equipment and personnel.
In addition, a hydrographic survey is in progress in the immediate vicinity of the casualty to assess the depth and nature of the sea bottom. A low intensity cold front is expected later this week which may hamper the commencement of the fuel removal operation which is contingent on good weather and sea conditions.
Members of the public are kindly requested to limit their sightseeing activities to non-demarcated areas and to be cognisant of the fact that the dunes adjacent to the beach are environmentally sensitive. Relevant authorities will be on hand to assist in this regard and have demarcated viewing areas. Offshore sea going craft and recreational boaters are also requested to keep well clear of the casualty and area of operation.
The operation is being managed by a Joint Operations Committee involving all responsible parties. The committee is chaired by Captain Dave Colly of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and includes representatives from SAMSA, Department of Environmental Affairs, SMIT Salvage, Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), City of Cape Town Disaster Management, Transnet National Ports Authority, Robben Island Museum amongst others.
For further information kindly contact:
Dave Colly
Tel: 021 421 6170
Carol Moses
Cell: 082 829 3917
E-mail: cmoses@deat.gov.za
Coen Birkenstock
Tel: 021 449 2389
Cell: 083 452 6698
Steve van Rensburg
Cell: 084 909 4137
Dennis Cruywagen
Cell: 082 628 4902
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
9 September 2009
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs (http://www.deat.gov.za/)
