Samsa defuels stranded ship

Image: Stranded trawler. Aletta Gardner/EWN

CAPE TOWN – Officials on Wednesday started defuelling a stranded fishing trawler at Clifton’s First Beach.

The vessel ran aground in thick fog on Saturday morning.

After another failed towing attempt on Tuesday, the South African Maritime Safety Authority decided to remove all fuel from the ship .

Samsa's Sobanto Tilayi said they were taking care to avoid a repeat of Tuesday’s attempt.
“We are bringing in equipment to strengthen the towing arrangement of the vessel."

Tilayi said the ship would be strengthened before they attempt to tow it again.

“We expect to make headway on Thursday because the vessel will be lighter.”

Samsa believes the swell on Friday presents them with their best chance at shifting the vessel.

All 28 crew members and a dog were rescued unharmed.

On Monday, the air force was called in to help Samsa with the salvage operation.

- EWN