More than 200 litres of oil spilled in Algoa Bay

© altomedia – 123RF.com

SA Marine Fuels proceeded to dispatch a commercial oil spill response service provider to mitigate and contain the spread of the spill. The incident is currently considered a tier one level incident which does not require intervention from the national authorities as local resources are sufficient. The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries will provide assistance if the incident escalates and requires it.

Current weather conditions in Algoa Bay is hindering operations, which include wildlife assessments, however the situation has been reported to be managed and under control. The oil is not expected to reach the coast and currently moving in an offshore direction. Transnet National Ports Authority, South African National Parks (SANParks), the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) and other environmental bodies have been notified and are monitoring the situation along with the department.

An Incident Management Organisation (IMOrg), consisting of various stakeholders including this department, has been established through Operation Phakisa Oceans Economy to address South Africa's oil spill response capability in the marine environment. The IMOrg hosted an oil spill exercise in November 2018 testing the response capability in Algoa Bay and is also keeping a close watch of the incident circumstances and status.