The Department of Environmental Affairs said it was monitoring an oil spill in Algoa Bay.
The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday morning, “during offshore bunkering operations in Anchorage 1 of the Port of Ngqura”.
Department spokesperson, Albi Modise, said that it was reported that approximately 200 to 400 litres of fuel from the receiving vessel MV Chrysanthi S, sailing under a Liberian flag, was spilled into the sea as a result of overflow during the fuel transfer.
“SA Marine Fuels proceeded to dispatch a commercial oil spill response service provider to mitigate and contain the spread of the spill,” he said.
“This incident is currently considered a Tier 1 level incident which does not require intervention from the national authorities as local resources are sufficient,” he said.
“The department will provide assistance if the incident escalates and requires it”.
Modise said current weather conditions in Algoa Bay was hindering operations, which include wildlife assessments, but he said the situation had been reported to be under control.
He said the oil was not expected to reach the coast and currently moving in an offshore direction.
“Transnet National Ports Authority, South African National Parks (SANParks), the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) and other environmental bodies have been notified and are monitoring the situation along with our department,” said Modise.
