Stock Photo: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock.com
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) reports that authorities have initiated an investigation into an oil spill in Algoa Bay. The spill is believed to have originated from the MSC Apollo, a Cyprus-flagged containership, while it was anchored in the bay on Saturday afternoon.
The incident came to light when another vessel in Algoa Bay noticed oil-like blobs and an oily sheen on the water. The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Vessel Traffic Service promptly investigated the report.
“The preliminary investigation by the response craft found an oily substance on the water at about 5pm on Saturday. The launch reported that the oily substance on water was coming from the Motor Vessel (MV) MSC Apollo,” SAMSA stated.
The Incident Management Organisation (IMOrg), a virtual organization responsible for implementing South Africa’s national oil spill contingency plan, convened an emergency meeting with representatives from various government departments, environmental agencies, and the vessel’s insurers.
“Arrangements were made to speedily launch the necessary efforts to both determine the cause of the oil spillage from the MSC Apollo, the extent of the reported oil spill, as well as how to contain its spread in the Algoa Bay region and to protect the wildlife on the nearby islands of St Croix and Bird Island,” SAMSA stated.
The response includes sea patrols, aerial surveillance, and coastal foot patrols. Despite these efforts, initial surveys have not detected any oil or oily sheen in the area.
As the investigation continues, authorities plan to clean the hull of the MSC Apollo to prevent further contamination. The public is urged to report any sightings of oiled birds to SANCCOB and oiled mammals to Bay World officials.
The incident comes as vessel traffic around the Cape of Good Hope have increased dramatically this year amid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Other recent incidents include three significant cargo losses from containerships and the grounding of the M/V Ultra Galaxy along South Africa’s west coast.
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