Setsuyo Star stakeholder briefing keeps all informed; repair operation progressing well

Jun 22, 2006
Author: SMIT Salvage

Yesterday (21 June), stakeholders in the 'Setsuyo Star' salvage operation attended a briefing held in Simon's Town. The stakeholder group that met included representatives from the South African Maritime Safety Authority, the Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, TSAVLIRIS Salvage International, SMIT Salvage, CapeNature, the City's Disaster Management team, the South African Navy, SANCCOB, SANPARKS, Simon's Town Civic Association, Simon's Town Publicity Association and Local Ward Councillor Alderman Nicki Holderness.

At the briefing, the stable condition of the bulk carrier was discussed and all were updated as to the progress of the repair operation. Good co-operation and communication between authorities, salvors and other stakeholders is ongoing. The threat posed by the bulk carrier to the environment is considered by authorities and salvors alike to be minimal given the fact that the structural integrity of the vessel remains intact, damage is isolated, minimal and in hold #1 only and the repair process is progressing well.


Smit Amandla and Setsuyo Star in False Bay

Despite the low risk posed, proactive precautionary measures are in place and these include:

- Stress monitors on board monitoring the structural integrity of the vessel
- 700 metres of deep sea oil booms on board
- Oil pollution abatement equipment on site in Simon's Town
- Emergency submersible pumps on board
- Tanks containing fuel oil now sealed
- Tug 'Smit Amandla' made fast and being used to position the 'Setsuyo Star' so as to offer her port side protection from weather and sea conditions
- Site specific weather forecasting taking place daily
- Strict access and safety procedures in place
- Vessel's crew maintaining normal watches
- Strict anti-littering and garbage disposal control measures in place
- Request to public to maintain a safe distance from vessels involved in salvage operation as a personal safety precaution

A good weather window has aided efforts to repair slight damage to the shell plating of the bulk carrier 'Setsuyo Star', currently at anchor in False Bay. A full repair team is permanently onboard and working in shifts to ensure that the repair operation proceeds according to schedule. It is anticipated that weather permitting, the operation should be completed in the first week of July.

The 'Setsuyo Star' entered False Bay on Sunday 11th June after permission was granted to the vessel's owners by the South African Maritime Safety Authority after onboard assessment of the vessel revealed a well-run ship with no threat to the environment if protection from weather and sea elements was timeously afforded.

This followed the determination by the Master that there was slight damage to the structure that supports the shell plating of hold #1. The structural integrity of the bulk carrier is not in danger and the vessel's hull remains intact. The bulk carrier was built in 1985. It is carrying a cargo of iron ore and was en route to the Far East from Brazil.

The Master and crew remain on the casualty and continue to be responsible for the normal day-to-day running of the ship. The bulk carrier is at anchor approximately 2 miles off of Millers Point in a depth of 30 metres. The 'Setsuyo Star' is carrying 166 000 tonnes of iron ore and has 1000 tonnes of fuel on board.