| 
Thursday
06.09.2001 @ 10h30. The "John Ross" salvage
tug waits offshore. Seas have subsided but swells still strong.
|
 
Thursday
06.09.2001 @ 11h35. Equipment and men lowered to deck
of Ikan Tanda, then chopper moves over to John Ross. Possibly
preparing to attach cables.
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The story unfolds...
Thursday
06.09.01 @13h00 It appears the ship's hull has been damaged,
as the first signs of oil pollution start to wash up on the
white beach. There is a smell of gas from the cargo on board,
and authorities began a low-key warning to residents of the
danger of noxious fumes. Some people are experiencing nasal
irritation. Residents are warned of the potential hazards
of chemical reaction of the nitrates and fuel on board. |
Thursday
06.09.01 @ 14h30. We inspect the beach area and rock pools.
A slick has already started, the foam is a filthy brown and
veins of black slick are left by waves along the white beach
sand. Black mussels are already coated in oil; the seaweeds
and rock-pools have a thick layer of brown scum. The adjoining
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve Sanctuary for the endangered
African Black Oystercatcher will be affected by the spill.
There is a significant breeding population along this stretch
of coastline. Oystercatchers are the second most endangered
bird in South Africa.
At 15h00 the salvage tug, John Ross moves closer, and is joined
by the pollution coastal vessel, Kuswag "Ocean Pride". A helicopter
arrives and lowers pipes and cables to the ship. Preparations
are at last being made to pump the 230 tons of fuel and oil
off the ship. Some personal crew items have also been airlifted
from the ship. We don't know if this is a sign that they have
given up hope of re-floating her.
At16h30 the sea has began to calm but the high tide is beginning
to push. Emergency vehicles have cordoned off the beachfront
area. We hope that the conditions continue to improve so that
any attempts can be made to minimise the disastrous effects
of the oil and fertilizer contamination. |
