Thousands of tons of wet maize sold for R10

Ed Richardson EAST LONDON waste removal company East Coast Cleaning & Waste has bought the 2.5-thousand tons on the wrecked TMP Sagittarius for R10 Ð and a condition that it cleans up any pollution that may occur. South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) principal officer Peter Kroon said that the maize, which is packed in 50kg plastic bags, would be very dangerous to remove because of the rough seas. "It is a risk they are prepared to take. "If the ship breaks up, it will be easier and more accessible to remove," he said. East Coast spokesperson Daryl Tucker said the company planned to open the bags and to pump out the cargo. "The plastic bags will be recycled," he said. The cargo will be used for animal feed and has been tested for toxins, but because it is in cold salt water it is in a good condition for animal consumption, according to Tucker. Meanwhile the Nino, which ran aground on the Wild Coast, has left Port Elizabeth under tow. UK-based Columbia Shipmanagement spokesperson Tony Redding said that the Nino had left at the authorityÕs request, so that other vessels could discharge.