The Antigua and Barbados bulk carrier Kiani Satu developed mechanical problems last week while sailing from Hong Kong to Ghana. The, vessel carrying 330t of heavy fuel and 15,000t of rice, is lying off the Goukamma Nature Reserve and the leaks are said to be a threat to marine animals, birds and vegetation. Tebogo Ramatjie, spokesman for the SA Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), on Monday (12 August) said a joint operations committee has been set up to salvage the vessel and refloat it.
"One of the tanks carrying fuel was damaged and there has been seepage. Any amount of fuel that goes into our water is a cause for concern," said Ramatjie.
"The team is assessing the oil slick from the stricken vessel. Operations are under way to pump out the oil from the damaged fuel tank into another, structurally sound, tank within the vessel," Ramatjie said. Depending on the oil-leak assessment, the salvors intend re-floating the vesse. He said the owners of the vessel were co-operating with the South African authorities, which would recover all the money spent on the operation.
"Our part is to try to make sure that our waters are not polluted and to re-float the vessel. But it is a good thing that they [the vessel owners] have insurance and that we will recoup the money we are using," he added. South Africa had to foot the bill for the demolition and disposal of the wreckage of the Turkish-owned Seli 1 after its owners abandoned it.
That bulk carrier was driven aground at Bloubergstrand, near Table Bay, in 2009 after its engines failed. Oil leaks from the wreck still endanger marine life as work to dismantle the vessel continues.
Source: The Times via I-Net Bridge
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