A bulk vessel called SELI 1 ran aground just after midnight in Cape Town last Monday after gale force winds and massive swells. It was reported by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) last Saturday that there may be some oil leakage.

"Given that the bulk carrier sustained significant structural damage when she ran aground, it can be expected that some residual oil may be released as a result of bad weather and sea conditions affecting the structural integrity of the vessel," said Samsa in a statement.

All 25 of the Turkish crew were rescued safely with only one of them being treated for mild hypothermia

Even thought the oil tanks were in tact, a ship to ship fuel recovery started last Friday with Ocean Pride and by the Saturday  60 tonnes of the fuel had been transferred. Another vessel, the Kuswag IV was then on hand to begin recovering the remaining fuel. "The fuel removal operation continues in good weather and sea conditions," said Samsa

On Saturday, the authority said the Department of Environmental Affairs' pollution patrol aircraft Kuswag 9 continued to fly over the area, "reporting no oil in the vicinity at this time."

Booms were also deployed to safe guard the mouth of the Milnerton Lagoon from any possible oil spill.

A committee has been formed to deal with the situation, including:
Representatives of SAMSA,
Department of Environmental Affairs,
SMIT Salvage,
SANCCOB,
City of Cape Town - Disaster Management, Robben Island Museum, Transnet National Ports Authority

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written by Mags , September 22, 2009

I think it should be gale (not gail)force winds. Errors detract from the content of an article.

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