Efforts underway to rescue oiled penguins on Robben Island

Earlier this afternoon officials on Robben Island noticed five (5) oiled penguins, and began with search and rescue efforts to capture the birds.

One (1) of the penguins has been captured and will be transported to the Southern African Foundation for Conservation of Coastal Birds [SANCCOB] in Table View.

The authorities has initiated a search and rescue mission to capture the other four (4) penguins for rehabilitation by SANCCOB.

It is believed that the penguins has been affected as a result of the black streak that moved 8 nautical miles from the vessel offshore between Cape Town Harbour and Robben Island coming from the SELI 1 vessel.

At this stage it is not clear how seriously the birds are oiled, however veterinarians will assess the birds and determine where they should be released.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre and the Department of Environmental Affairs has requested Transnet National Ports Authority of South Africa to assist in breaking up the oil slick at sea to prevent any further pollution of seabirds and to ensure that vessels in the area are not affected.

End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Source:

Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre