According to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), an oil spill from a cargo vessel in Algoa Bay at the weekend, 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. The investigation was postponed during the night.
As part of the response efforts, the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited
In a statement, SAMSA said that the South African Incident Management Organisation (IMOrg) is responding to an oil spill detected in Algoa Bay on 07 September 2024. The spill is believed to have originated from the Mv MSC Apollo, a container vessel anchored in the bay.
On the impacts of the oil spill on wildlife 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.
“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.” said SAMSA.
Meanwhile, regarding the vessel from which the oil spill reportedly occurred at the weekend, SAMSA said: “The MSC Apollo is scheduled to dock at the Port of Ngqura as soon as a berth is available.
As part of the response efforts, the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) requested oil spill trajectory modelling by contacting the vessel’s insurers.
