80 tons of diesel removed from stricken vessel off Richards Bay

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Most of the fuel from the stricken bulk carrier which ran aground off Richards Bay harbour has been removed from the vessel.

The SA Maritime Safety Authority says almost 80 tons of diesel was removed on Monday.

Samsa spokesperson, Captain Saroor Ali says efforts are being made to remove as much coal as possible from the Panamanian registered vessel, before it will be taken to a suitable "burial ground" - 65 to 75 kilometres southeast of Richards Bay.

The 230 metre long vessel was laden with more than 147 000 tons of coal, when it ran aground outside the port in heavy seas on August 19.