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Attempt to refloat the stricken vessel, Kiani Satu, got underway early Tuesday morning.
The 165 metre long bulk carrier ran aground at Walker Point at Buffels Bay last Thursday after reporting mechanical trouble.
Authorities also put up protective booms to protect two estuaries at Knysna from pollution.
Tebogo Ramatjie of the SA Maritime Safety Authority, says "the vessel is attached to a tug which pulling, but there hasn't been any real movement yet that we can say that we have successfully refloated the ship."
Meanwhile, the Department of Environmental Affairs says the clean-up operation is also underway after the vessel leaked oil.
Authorities also put up protective booms to protect two estuaries at Knysna from pollution.
Department spokesperson, Zolile Nqayi, says while the oil is moving out to sea a change in weather today could add to their problems.
