Pretoria: 11 September 2024

An oil spill from a cargo vessel in Algoa Bay at the weekend, and which has since been confirmed to have affected local wildlife, continues to be investigated, even as its spread at sea and along local beaches seems limited, according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).

In an update on Wednesday morning, in a statement SAMSA said: “The South African Incident Management Organisation (IMOrg) is responding to an oil spill detected in Algoa Bay on Saturday, 07 September 2024. The spill is believed to have originated from the Mv MSC Apollo, a container vessel anchored in the bay.

“The spill was first reported after oil-like blobs and an oily sheen were observed on the water near the anchorage by another vessel. The report was promptly made to Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), which dispatched a rapid response craft. At approximately 17:00 on Saturday, the response team confirmed the presence of an oily substance in the water.

“A helicopter surveillance flight on Sunday afternoon, despite strong winds, covered the St. Croix Island group and surrounding areas. No visible oil or sheen was detected. Additionally, SANParks conducted foot patrols along the beaches from the Port of Ngqura to the Sundays River, and no oil was observed,” said SAMSA.

On the impacts of the oil spill on wild life in the area, SAMSA confirmed that a handful of penguins in the vicinity were found to have been oiled, and had been evacuated for cleaning.

Said SAMSA: “On 10 September, (Monday) SANParks rangers accessed St. Croix Island and identified six oiled penguins—three heavily oiled and three lightly oiled. The penguins were captured and transported to the local SANCCOB facility for treatment. However, two additional oiled penguins evaded capture. Efforts are ongoing to locate and capture them.

“Further wildlife surveillance in the area is being coordinated with SANCCOB. The public is urged to report any sightings of oiled birds to SANCCOB, and any oiled mammals should be reported to Bayworld officials. Surveillance and monitoring of the affected areas will continue, weather permitting, to mitigate any environmental impact,” said SAMSA.

Meanwhile, regarding the vessel from which the oil spill reportedly occured at the weekend, SAMSA said: “The MSC Apollo is scheduled to dock at the Port of Ngqura as soon as a berth is available.  

“The vessel’s Classification Society (dealing with technical matters on board the vessel, on behalf of the vessel’s Flag State) has been called in to assist. A thorough inspection will be conducted to identify the source of the oil leak. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” said SAMSA.

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