EMEA News
Salvors Working to Remove Oil from Ship off South Africa
Marine salvors are working to remove oil from a leaking tank on a bulk carrier that ran aground Thursday off Buffels Bay on South Africa's southern tip, eNews Channel Africa reports.
The Kiani Satu, which was carrying 15,000 tonnes of rice and had 330 tonnes of heavy fuel oil on-board, developed mechanical problems in heavy seas and ran aground on Thursday.
The salvage operation involves pumping oil from a leaking tank low on the ship to another tank higher up, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) spokesman Captain Nigel Campbell said Sunday.
Rough seas made underwater welding too difficult, and heavy equipment had to be flown to the ship by helicopter, complicating the operation.
About three tonnes of oil had leaked into the protected Goukamma Nature Reserve, but marine life was not yet threatened.
"We have responsible owners who have the best insurance in place," Campbell said.
"Evidence of this is that they have flown in experts from all over the world to give assistance.
"Financial commitments are being met, and there is no doubt in my mind that there will be no costs to the state in this exercise.
SAMSA's plans to tow the vessel out to sea were delayed after technical problems, South Africa's Eye Witness News reported.
Nineteen crew members from the Philippines and Ukraine were injured and had to be airlifted to safety.
