Safmarine Agulhas salvage operation - DAY TEN

Jul 7, 2006
Author: SMIT Salvage

Despite a strong south westerly wind and four metre swells, both the cargo removal and fuel removal operations with respect to the grounded container ship 'Safmarine Agulhas' continue. These operations will continue on a 24 hour basis, as and when conditions allow for safe operations. Safety of personnel at sea and ashore remains a top priority.

Yesterday, it was reported that the grounding forces acting on the vessel combined with the effect of the continuous action of the sea on the casualty in this exposed location was beginning to have a detrimental effect on the vessel's structural integrity. There is water ingress in two of the cargo holds and the engine room. The structural integrity of the vessel continues to be monitored and internal assessments are continuously being undertaken. Should the vessel deteriorate any further, future refloating attempts may be delayed in order to ensure that the fuel and cargo removal operations are completed.

A number of proactive environmental protection measures are in place:

The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism's (DEAT) oil pollution patrol aircraft 'Kuswag VIII', stationed in East London, over flies the casualty daily

DEAT has mobilised oil spill abatement equipment and a team of experts to East London. This team is conducting daily beach patrols to monitor any impact on the environment

The SMIT oil pollution abatement vessel 'Kuswag IV' is on site as an additional precaution

The tug 'Smit Amandla' is connected to the 'Safmarine Agulhas' and is holding her off of the breakwater