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Stranded vessel to be removed from rocks at St Francis Bay

Elke M where it ran aground at St Francis Bay

Supplied


The South African Maritime Safety Authority says work will begin to remove the stricken fishing vessel, Elke Me, from the rocks where it ran aground at St Francis Bay.

SAMSA says salvors removed 24 700 litres of fuel from the vessel as well as other debris, including fishing nets, crates, and related equipment.

The Authority says it has issued a wreck removal directive after appointing a contractor to remove the vessel.

"In preparation for this, a Bathymetric Survey was completed this morning (TUES) to provide more information on the underwater terrain in the vicinity.

"The Department of Transport and SAMSA will continue monitoring the operation, working in collaboration with the Incident Management Structure (IMS)," said spokesperson, Tebogo Ramatjie.

He noted that the IMS included the vessel's owners, insurers, municipal officials, the NSRI, salvors AMSOL, environmental management organisations, and other relevant parties.

Fayo said the vessel had 24 crew on board when she ran aground 1 nautical mile from Port St Francis on Saturday.

"All were brought to safety after they abandoned ship".