Leaking bulk carrier finds refuge in False Bay

… but strict conditions apply
RAY SMUTS
WHEN THE leaking bulk carrier Setsuyo Star, laden with 166 000 tons of iron ore and 1 000 tons of fuel, started taking on water on June 11, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) allowed her to anchor in a ‘port of refuge’, False Bay. But she was given an ultimatum - the Greek owners of the Bahamas-registered vessel had to come up with an acceptable repair plan within a certain time frame, failing which the ship would be ordered to leave South African waters. They soon appointed Greek salvage company, Tsavliris, which in turn sub-contracted Smit Salvage, to effect repairs to the structure supporting the shell plating of hold number one. Samsa chief, Captain Saleem Modak, however made it clear to FTW at the outset that should any exterior plate cutting be deemed necessary, the entire fuel load would first have to be removed. Of paramount importance during the ship’s stay in False Bay is the protection of the marine environment. To this end salvors have fitted stress monitors to the hull of the bulk carrier to continue monitoring her structural integrity, along with other stringent measures such as oil booms and anti-littering and garbage control measures. As a further precautionary measure, the powerful salvage tug, Smit Amandla, is made fast to the Setsuyo Star to best protect her during the repair operation which is expected to last until July 9, or thereabouts. Owned by Setsuyo Marine, the vessel was en route from Brazil to the Far East when the leakage became apparent, resulting in the master sending a call for help.