Following an intensive week-long operation involving aerial, sea, and land-based resources, the recoverable fuel as well as non-fuel pollutants aboard the grounded fishing vessel ‘Elke M’ in St Francis Bay, have now been removed from the wreck.
South African Maritime Safety Authority spokesperson, Tebogo Ramatjie said that 24 700 litres of fuel has been recovered from safely accessible tanks on board, and debris including fishing nets, crates, and related equipment has been removed from the wreck and surrounds.
He said that a Wreck Removal Directive has been issued by the South African Maritime Safety Authority in terms of the Wreck & Salvage Act and it is expected that this operation will commence in due course following the appointment of a Contractor by Owners P&I Club (Insurers).
“In preparation for this, a Bathymetric Survey was completed on January 16, to provide more information on the underwater terrain in the vicinity,” said Ramatjie.
He further said that the Department of Transport and SAMSA will continue monitoring the operation, working in collaboration with the Incident Management Structure (IMS) which includes Owners, the insurers (P&I Club), municipality officials, the NSRI, salvors AMSOL, environmental management organisations, and other relevant parties.
The vessel had 24 crew on board when it ran aground 1 mile from Port St Francis at 22:30 on January 6.
All were brought to safety after they abandoned the ship.
