The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is investigating an oil spill in Algoa Bay, which is suspected to have originated from the MSC Apollo, a Cyprus-flagged containership, while it was anchored on Saturday afternoon.
The spill was first noticed by another vessel in the bay, which reported oil-like blobs and an oily sheen on the water. The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Vessel Traffic Service quickly investigated and identified the oily substance as coming from the MSC Apollo.
The Incident Management Organisation (IMOrg) held an emergency meeting with government officials, environmental agencies, and the vessel’s insurers to address the spill. They are working to determine the cause of the spill, its extent, and measures to contain it and protect wildlife on nearby St Croix and Bird Islands.
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Efforts to manage the spill include sea patrols, aerial surveillance, and coastal foot patrols. However, initial surveys have not found any significant oil or sheen in the area.
Authorities are also planning to clean the hull of the MSC Apollo to prevent further contamination. The public is encouraged to report any sightings of oiled birds to SANCCOB and oiled mammals to Bay World officials.
This incident occurs amid increased vessel traffic around the Cape of Good Hope and follows other recent maritime incidents, including cargo losses and the grounding of the M/V Ultra Galaxy along South Africa’s west coast.
