An aerial surveillance was conducted at 14:00 this afternoon by Kuswag 9 the marine patrol aircraft of the Department of Environmental Affairs to determine the extent of the oil spill.
The assessment revealed that the SELI Turkish bulk carrier MV has completely broken into three (3) parts and lowered in the water.
The footage was analysed and it further indicated that “black oil fingers” up to 500 metres radius (1 metre wide) was originated from the SELI 1 trickling toward Dolphin Beach.
The footage also indicated that black oil was visible on the high watermark at Dolphin Beach and 800 metres long. It further extended on the beach opposite the Rietvlei Wetland Reserve that was measured at 500 metres.
The surveillance assessment by the marine patrol aircraft was extended further north from the vessel until the Koeberg Nuclear Station and no oil at sea or on the coast was detected.
The one crane of the vessel that has disintegrated could not be observed from the air and it is presumed that it is submerged under the water.
The City’s disaster response teams attempted to clear up the oil spill emanating from the SELI 1 vessel at the Table View beachfront, however continuous oil washed ashore due to the rough seas and high swells in the area.
The operation had to be terminated by City’s disaster response teams as a result and will resume with its efforts on Monday when sea conditions will improve, however routine inspections will be conducted.
An appeal is made to the public to steer clear of the wreckage and the conditions in the vicinity are constituted dangerous and the directive issued by the SA Maritime Authority will remain enforced prohibiting any bathing and other recreational activities.
The wreckage is monitored on a continuous basis by the City and it will respond to emergency situations such as oil spills from the vessel.
The City is still in bilateral discussions and engagement with the Department of Transport regarding finding a permanent solution in respect of the wreckage.
The Department of Transport has submitted a request to National Treasury to seek funding estimated in the amount of R40 million [based on the calculations conducted last year] to salvage the wreckage.
The matter will serve before Cabinet during September 2012 and approval is awaited.
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
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