The South Africa Incident Management Organisation (IMOrg) has launched an investigation into an oily substance spillage, believed to have originated from a vehicle transportation vessel, MSC Apollo, that was anchored in Algoa Bay.
As informed, the initial report came on the 7th of September after a vessel observed oil-like blobs and a sheen on the water. A preliminary investigation confirmed the presence of the oily substance, but further action was delayed due to darkness.
SAMSA requested oil spill trajectory modeling from the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) to plan the spill response effectively.
On the 8th of September , an Incident Management meeting was held involving SAMSA, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), SANPARKS, and other stakeholders to address the spill’s cause, extent, and containment efforts.
Surveillance measures, including sea patrols, aerial surveys, and coastal foot patrols, were initiated. However, no further oil was observed in the affected areas, including the St. Croix Island group. Meanwhile, the MSC Apollo’s hull cleaning to stop further leaking was delayed due to rough seas but was scheduled to proceed once conditions improved.
Efforts to monitor and protect local wildlife, particularly birds on nearby islands, are ongoing, with drones and patrols planned to assist in identifying any affected animals.
The public has been urged to report sightings of oiled wildlife.
