Nelson Mandela Bay’s penguin population will be closely monitored after four oiled birds were found following this weekend’s oil spill in Algoa Bay.
South African National Parks said the birds were taken off St Croix Island by rangers while two more were also spotted on Bird Island.
SANParks spokesperson, Fayroush Ludick, said the rescued birds were handed over to the animal rescue and rehabilitation organisation SANCOBB and that it was a matter of waiting for favourable weather conditions to try and recover the other two oiled penguins.
This weekend the Department of Environmental Affairs said between 200 and 400 litres of fuel spilled into the sea as a result of overflow during an off-shore oil transfer in Anchorage 1 of the Port of Ngqura.
The SA Maritime Safety Authority said on Monday that the receiving vessel, the Liberian registered MV Chrysanthi S, would be detained while their investigation continued.
The Eastern Cape Manager of SANCOBB, Stacey Webb, said there was a possibility that more birds were affected as the oil spill occurred while they were off Bird Island and St Croix Island's feeding.
She said they would be monitoring the Bay's penguin population closely over the next few days.
(Pic: Archive)
