Cape nature reserve under threat as beached vessel leaks

Marine salvage experts are racing against time to prevent an environmental disaster caused by a vessel beached and leaking oil into the water at Buffels Bay, near Knysna, Western Cape.

The Antigua and Barbados bulk carrier Kiani Satu developed mechanical problems on Thursday while sailing from Hong Kong to Ghana. The, vessel carrying 330t of heavy fuel and 15000t of rice, is lying near the Goukamma Nature Reserve and the leaks are said to be a threat to sea animals and vegetation. Tebogo Ramatjie, spokesman for the SA Maritime Authority, yesterday said a joint operations committee has been set up to salvage the vessel and re-float it.

"One of the tanks carrying fuel got damaged and there has been seepage of fuel and any amount of fuel that goes into our water is a cause for concern," said Ramatjie.

"The team is assessing the oil slick leaking from the stricken vessel. Operations are under way to pump out the oil from the damaged fuel tank into another, structurally sound, tank within the vessel." Ramatjie said, depending on the oil-leak assessment, the salvors intend re-floating the vessel by 5am today. He said the owners of the vessel were cooperating with the South African authorities, which would recover all the money spent on the operation.

"Our part is to try to make sure that our waters are not polluted and to re-float the vessel. But it is a good thing that they [the vessel owners] have insurance and that we will recoup the money we are using." South Africa had to foot the bill for the demolition and disposal of the wreckage of the Turkish-owned Seli 1 after its owners abandoned it.

The bulk carrier was driven aground at Bloubergstrand, near Table Bay, Cape Town, in 2009 after its engines failed. Oil leaks from the wreck still endanger marine life as work to dismantle it continues.