16 January: The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) says recoverable fuel and non-fuel pollutants on the grounded fishing vessel, ‘Elke M’ have now been removed from the wreck.
In an intensive week with aerial, sea and land-based resources, 24 700 litres of fuel were recovered from safely accessible tanks on board and debris including fishing nets, crates and related equipment were also removed from the wreck and surrounds.
A Wreck Removal Directive has been issued by SAMSA in terms of the Wreck & Salvage Act and this this operation is expected to start after the appointment of a Contractor by Owners P&I Club (Insurers). In preparation for this, a Bathymetric Survey was completed this morning to provide more information on the underwater terrain in the vicinity.
SAMSA says The Department of Transport and SAMSA will continue monitoring the operation, working in collaboration with the Incident Management Structure (IMS). This includes Owners, the insurers (P&I Club), municipality officials, the NSRI, salvors AMSOL, environmental management organisations, and other relevant parties.
The Elke M l had 24 crew on board when she ran aground 1 mile from Port St Francis at 10.30 pm on 6 January. All crew members were brought to safety after they abandoned ship.
–edited by Bev Mortimer
