Cape Town - More than three tons of fuel have spilt into the sea from the cargo ship that ran aground off Buffels Bay near Knysna, threatening a nearby nature reserve.
The 168m bulk carrier, Kiani Satu, ran aground at dawn on Thursday, forcing the captain and its 19-member crew to abandon the ship.
As salvage operations by the SA Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) began on Saturday, they found that an estimated three tons of oil had leaked from a crack in the vessel. Other minor cracks and leaks from the vessel were also reported.
The ship is believed to have been carrying 330 tons of fuel.
Captain Nigel Campbell, who is overseeing the operation, said yesterday the salvage crew were working hard to contain any leaks.
“We believe that there is a crack in the hull in the way of the number two double-bottom starboard tank, which is holding the fuel.
“It’s a major concern that so much damage has already been done. We are doing our best to limit any further damage and are preparing a flotation operation on Monday to take the vessel back out to sea,” he said.
Initial inspections of the vessel on Friday had showed no signs of pollution, damage to the ship or visible leaks.
The Kiani Satu, carrying rice, heavy fuels and gas oil, was on a course to Gabon when mechanical failure stranded the vessel in a remote location on one of the country’s most pristine coastlines, on the Garden Route, near the Goukamma Nature Reserve.
Teams have been sent to the beach to clean up any oil that reaches the shore.
Campbell said nine salvors and two surveyors from the salvage vessel Smit Amandla were preparing towing equipment for tomorrow’s operation.
“These guys are some of the world’s best in their field, and will be working 20 hours a day,” he said.
A helicopter would help to airlift equipment off the vessel and secure a towline to the tug.
There have been concerns about waves pushing the vessel further on the reef, but the swells are also needed to carry it out to sea again.
The vessel’s crew is being accommodated at the Point Hotel in Mossel Bay.
They had been warned not to speak to the media owing to “insurance issues”.
The crew are expected to play a vital role in the salvage operation because of their experience with the ship.
The authorities will be eager to avoid a repeat of the Seli 1 disaster, when a Turkish bulk carrier ran aground near Bloubergstrand in 2009, and kept haemorrhaging fuel until late last year.
Around R40 million was set aside by the National Treasury to salvage the vessel, with blasting operations to reduce the wreck commencing at the beginning of the year.
Weekend Argus