- A major environmental crisis is unfolding on South Africa’s west coast following the break-up of a grounded cargo vessel.
- The Panama-flagged cargo ship, which ran aground earlier this month, was battered by severe storms over the weekend, causing it to fracture into four pieces and release oil into the surrounding waters.
Massive Clean-up Underway
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has activated its oil spill contingency plan, deploying over 125 personnel to clean up the affected coastal area. Teams are working diligently to remove oil from the beach and prevent further contamination.
Challenges Ahead
The clean-up operation is expected to be complex and time-consuming due to the extent of the oil spill. The impact on marine life and the local ecosystem is still being assessed. SAMSA has urged the public to avoid the affected area and report any sightings of debris.
As salvage operations continue, authorities are investigating the cause of the vessel’s grounding and subsequent break-up. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential environmental consequences of maritime accidents.
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Source: Samsa