Ikan Tanda shipwreck, Scarborough - image & info updates.

Smit Pentow Marine: Wednesday September 26th 2001, 10h30
'Ikan Tanda' Update Number 24

The oil pollution patrol aircraft, KVII, carried out an overflight of the 'Ikan Tanda' and the casualty's environs yesterday and reported two patches of light discolouration (approximately 10-20 metres long and 3 metres wide) in the vicinity of the 'Ikan Tanda'. A light, oily substance was reported on the Scarborough beach and Salvors Smit Pentow Marine are liaising with the Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism in this regard to determine the most appropriate course of action. Yesterday afternoon, inspections were made of the area and samples of the oily substance were taken and will today be analysed to accurately determine its nature and the best means to clean-up areas in the vicinity affected.The KVII will overfly the area again today to assess the situation and site inspections will continue to be made.

Residents of Scarborough have continued to voice their concerns regarding perceived potential threats to the marine environment resulting from the disposal of the Potassium Chloride and Potassium Sulphate overboard. Prior to the awarding of the dumping permit with respect to the cargo, Salvors, acting under the direction of the Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, employed scientific experts to determine the environmental impact of the cargo being introduced to the sea and were advised that these two compounds are considered to be benign. Aerial reports have indicated that the Potassium Chloride and Potassium Sulphate dispersed overboard have diffused and ionized very well with the water. In addition, scientific monitoring of the area has been implemented and continues three times a day with sampling being carried out to ensure that maximum concentration levels as laid down in the permit are not exceeded. Reports continue to show that concentration levels are within those defined by the dumping permit.

Salvors were last week issued with a dumping permit by Marine & Aquatic Pollution Control (No11/2001) and will abide with all the conditions contained in the permit. Residents are once again thanked for their co-operation in working with Salvors to ensure the ongoing protection of the local marine environment and are assured that every effort is being made to ensure a safe and effective operation.

The launch 'Sea Carrier' was unable to approach the 'Ikan Tanda' yesterday due to prevailing conditions and returned to Cape Town to load required stores and equipment as well as gasoil needed for operations on the vessel and proceeded back to site. She was still unable to approach the casualty due to the high swell last night, however is this morning alongside offloading the gear and will then proceed to Hout Bay to load the anchoring arrangement required to be laid about 300 metres off the casualty to secure the 10 inch hose string that will be used for pumping off of Potassium Nitrate in a slurry format when this phase of the operation commences.

Overboard controlled dispersal of the bagged cargo continued yesterday and it is estimated that about 2100 tonnes of cargo has been discharged thus far, including 64 tonnes landed ashore. Discharge continues in Holds No 2 and No 5, with the disposal of bagged cargo in Hold No 2 almost completed. Salvage personnel onboard the 'Ikan Tanda' carrying out the disposal operation report no adverse side effects to themselves or to the immediate environment, despite frequent handling of the cargo.

Salvors remain concerned about the structural integrity of the vessel and continue to put into place plans to refloat her as soon as the minimum amount of cargo (12 000 tonnes) has been removed from the vessel in order to make refloating possible.

SHIPWRECK RESCUE DRAMA