19 September 2009
The fuel removal operation with respect to the grounded bulk carrier 'Seli 1' resumed this morning as weather and sea conditions moderated on site. The launch 'Ocean Pride' was alongside the casualty at 08h00 and pumping of fuel to her storage tanks resumed shortly thereafter. She has returned to the Port of Cape Town and is discharging received fuel. The total amount of fuel removed from the casualty to date amounts to 454 tonnes. The vessel was carrying 660 tonnes of fuel when she ran aground on Monday 7 September at Table View Beach, Cape Town.
Calm conditions are forecasted for the next few days and salvors will take advantage of this good weather window to access and then pump out as much of the remaining fuel from the vessel as possible. Skimming in the engine room continues.
As a proactive precautionary measure, an oil pollution boom is still deployed at Milnerton Lagoon and response teams remain on standby. Members of the public are kindly requested to keep clear of the boom and other equipment on site. The pollution patrol aircraft Kuswag 9 continues to over fly the casualty daily and has reported no oil in the vicinity of the casualty today.
The 'Seli 1' joint operations committee is appealing to members of the public specifically those undertaking recreational activities such as surfing, kite surfing, canoeing/paddle skiing to keep well clear of the grounded bulk carrier in the area of table view beach as the fuel removal operation continues. This is for their own safety as well as for the safety of the salvage team and to prevent any disruption to the operation. Cooperation in this regard is appreciated.
The joint operations committee, chaired by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and attended by relevant authorities and involved parties, continues to meet daily as the fuel removal operation continues. Environmental protection remains a key priority for all involved. The committee includes representatives from SAMSA, Department of Environmental Affairs, SMIT Salvage, SANCCOB, City of Cape Town Disaster Management, Robben Island Museum, Transnet National Ports Authority, amongst others.
For further information kindly contact:
Dave Colly
Tel: 021 421 6170Carol Moses
Cell: 082 829 3917
E-mail: cmoses@deat.gov.zaCoen Birkenstock
Tel: 021 449 2389
Cell: 083 452 6698Greg Pillay
Tel: 021 597 5001Dennis Cruywagen
Cell: 082 628 4902Clare Gomes
Tel: 021 507 5777
Cell: 082 909 2025
Issued by: Department of Water and Environmental Affairs
19 September 2009
Source: Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (http://www.deat.gov.za/)
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