EMEA News
Authorities to Pump Oil from Wreck in South Africa
The transfer of oil from a coal carrier that ran aground last week off the coast of South Africa is set to begin, the nation's Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) said in a statement Sunday.
No oil spill from the vessel has been reported, but containment booms have been placed around the ship to protect the coastline from any possible pollution during salvage operations.
"Plans to pump the oil out of the vessel are at an advanced stage," the department said.
"It is anticipated that the removal of oil from the vessel may take anything between five and seven days, while it may take several months to remove the coal.
"Furthermore, it is unclear at this stage as to how long it would take for the stricken vessel to be removed."
The DEA said a team of environmental, disaster management, and salvage experts is on standby to help protect the uMlathuze Sanctuary, Richards Bay harbour, and nearby estuaries from possible spills.
The department's Kuswag 9 surveillance aircraft will also continue to fly over the area to gather information and monitor the operation, and authorities will collect samples of the coal onboard to determine its possible impact on the marine environment.
The MV Smart ran aground in Richards Bay Monday as it left South Africa to carry coal to China, and it later broke apart.
