Salvage experts are expending every effort to refloat the stricken bulk carrier KIANU SATU by Monday.
The vessel ran aground off the Southern Cape coast near Buffels Bay after developing mechanical problems.
Between three and five tons of oil have seeped from the bruised vessel into the sea. Experts are pumping fuel from the damaged fuel tank to another tank.
On the coast, measures are in place to protect the sensitive marine area at the Goukamma Nature Reserve.
Conservationists are worried about the effects of oil pollution, Pierre De Villiers of Cape Nature: “This is a very sensitive area. It’s a Marine Protected Area which means its an area of national importance. We’ve got a range of habitats that need conservation here, sandy beaches, lime stone rocks. We’ve got species that habitat the rocks invertebrates which are little organisms that fish feed on.”
The ship’s inaccessibility is proving a logistical nightmare. Heavy equipment has to be flown in by helicopter.
And there’s no electric power on board. SAMSA’s Captain Nigel Campbell: “The public may recall the last operation we did with Phoenix in Durban that was a 30 day operation here we have to try and get ready within four days before the next cold front.”
Captain Campbell is looking to have public fears addressed: “I will be meeting with the rate payers association and the ward councillors of Sedgefield and we have invited some of the other communities, Knysna etc, to come and talk to us so that we can explain to them the process, the issues the challenges that we are having and to allay their fears.”
Once the KIANI SATU is afloat – the vessel will be towed to Cape Town for repairs. – SABC