More than three tonnes of fuel have spilt into the sea from the cargo ship that ran aground off Buffels Bay near Knysna, IOL News reports.
The 168m bulk carrier, Kiani Satu, ran aground at dawn on Thursday, forcing the captain and its 19-member crew to abandon the ship. The vessel’s crew is being accommodated at the Point Hotel in Mossel Bay. IOL reports that the crew had been warned not to speak to the media owing to “insurance issues”.
The SA Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) began salvage operation on Saturday. The ship was reportedly carrying 330 metric tons of fuel.
Initial inspections of the vessel on Friday had showed no signs of pollution, damage to the ship or visible leaks.
The Kiani Satu, carrying rice, heavy fuels and gas oil, was on a course to Gabon when mechanical failure stranded the vessel in a remote location on one of the country’s most pristine coastlines, on the Garden Route, near the Goukamma Nature Reserve.
The stricken ship is being prepared for refloating and towing by the salvage vessel Smit Amandla.
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