A cargo ship that ran aground off South Africa’s west coast during a severe storm last month has started leaking oil after being broken up by heavy seas, as reported by BNN Bloomberg. The incident has sparked significant environmental concerns as the spill reaches surrounding waters and nearby beaches.
Environmental Impact and Cleanup Efforts
Severe weather conditions led to the vessel’s deterioration, resulting in the spill. Authorities are currently unable to determine the exact amount of oil that has leaked, but the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has mobilized about 170 people for cleanup operations. The spilled oil poses a threat to local marine life and coastal ecosystems, necessitating swift and effective response measures.
Recent Weather-Related Incidents
In a separate incident on South Africa’s east coast, another vessel lost 99 containers during severe weather conditions near Richards Bay. The South African Maritime Safety Authority issued a warning to other ships, highlighting the dangers of navigating through the area due to the potential hazards caused by the lost cargo. These incidents underscore the increased risks that extreme weather events pose to maritime operations along South Africa’s coastlines.
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Source: BNN Bloomberg
