The South African Incident Management Organisation is continuing its investigation into the oil spill detected in Algoa Bay as conservationists work to mitigate the harm caused to wildlife in the region.
So far, conservationists working with the local Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) have managed to locate and capture six oiled penguins for rehabilitation.
The spill is believed to have originated from the Mv MSC Apollo, a container vessel that was anchored in the bay at the time, according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa).
Samsa said the spill was first reported after “oil-like blobs and an oily sheen” were observed on the water near the anchorage by crew of another vessel. The crew reported the incident to Transnet National Ports Authority’s Vessel Traffic Service, which dispatched a team who confirmed the presence of an oily substance in the water.
“A helicopter surveillance flight on Sunday afternoon, despite strong winds, covered the St. Croix Island group and surrounding areas. No visible oil or sheen was detected. Additionally, South African National Parks conducted foot patrols along the beaches from the Port of Ngqura to the Sundays River, and no oil was observed,” Samsa said.
“SANParks rangers accessed St. Croix Island and identified six oiled penguins – three heavily oiled and three lightly oiled. The penguins were captured and transported to the local Sanccob facility for treatment.”
However, two additional oiled penguins evaded capture and efforts to locate and capture them are continuing.
Samsa said further wildlife surveillance in the area was being co-ordinated with Sanccob.
Meanwhile, the MSC Apollo is scheduled to dock at the Port of Ngqura as soon as a berth is available.
The vessel’s classification society has been called in to assist with a thorough inspection that will be conducted to identify the source of the oil leak.
Surveillance and monitoring of the affected areas would continue, weather permitting, to mitigate any environmental impact, the maritime safety authority said.
