Rush to refloat stranded ship off S.Africa coast

Stormy seas and tides are complicating efforts to refloat a stranded cargo ship off the South African coast from which oil has already spilled, maritime authorities said Wednesday.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority was to try to refloat the bulk carrier Kiani Satu near Knysna in the south of the country in the evening, according to spokesman Nigel Campbell.

“Plan A is still to take the vessel off the coast and remove it to the sea. Plan B is to drill into tanks to take the oil out,” he told AFP.

“We estimate that between 35 and 40 tonnes of oil has so far leaked and apparently there is no leak anymore,” he added.

The environment ministry said the damage was limited.

“Eleven oil-drenched birds were found but there should not be much damage. The impact on environment will be minimal,” said Zolile Nqayi, environmental affairs spokesman.

The 165-meter (540-foot) vessel registered in Antigua and Barbuda suffered mechanical failure in stormy swells around six kilometers (3.7 miles) west of the Goukamma river mouth last Thursday.

It was carrying 330 tonnes of fuel and 15,000 tonnes of rice.

The 19 Filipino and Ukrainian crew members on board were airlifted to safety.