SANParks On High Alert As Nxanatseni Receives Isolated Heavy Rains
South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced that Kruger National Park disaster management teams are on high alert in Nxanatseni (northern ...
After numerous attempts over the last few days to pull the stranded vessel from the sandbank SAMSA confirmed that they managed to pivot the vessel by 70 degrees, now pointing out to sea, bow facing the wave actions. The vessel is still structurally sound and the engineers do not foresee immediate structural problems. Unfortunately the vessel”s stern side is still lodged on the sandbank and SAMSA officials have decided to activate further steps to try to lighten the vessel.
Helicopter reports continue to report no oil in the water and no more leaks from the ship. The natural cleaning processes of the ocean have also reduced the oil on the beaches. Once the ship has left the area, intensive cleaning operations will begin.
More than 350 people from some 20 organisations and stakeholders continue to work well together to address the many issues caused by the oil spill. The persons dealing with this crisis are experts in their field, in some cases from across the world, and know what they are doing. While the JOC appreciates all offers of help and expertise, the unique circumstances of operating inside a Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area excludes many of the usual methods in which operations may take place. All the legally required bodies are represented.
The JOC expresses sincere thanks to the hundreds of members of the public, organisations and businesses who assist and support our efforts constructively throughout the region. “From food and firewood for the JOC teams to cleaning products and fish for the penguins, the communities of the Garden Route, Western and Eastern Cape have overwhelmed us with their willingness to help. There have also been significant assistance from others from around the country and abroad – it is really touching to know that people care so much for our people and our environment,” says JOC Incident Coordinator Richard Meyer.
Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Mr Alan Winde visited the site yesterday (15 August). He had the following to say: “I am pleasantly surprised to see the progress on the ground and that the overall picture is improving. On behalf of the environment, surrounding towns and the tourism industry, I thank the teams that are doing such a great job,” said Mr Winde.
Roleplayers include the South Africa Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), national Department Environmental Affairs (DEA) Oceans and Coast, Knysna Municipality, Eden District, Municipality, CapeNature, SANParks, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Knysna and Wilderness, Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), SARS Customs, SAPS Sea Border Unit, NMMU (research unit), Western Cape Provincial Traffic Department, SANCCOB (bird protection agency), SANDF and several specialised service providers.