Minister Winde Travels to Knysna to Monitor Oil Spill

On Thursday, 15 August, Minister Alan Winde travelled to the Southern Cape to monitor efforts to refloat the stranded cargo ship, the Kiani Satu. The South African Maritime Association has been attending to the salvage operations and working to limit the damage from the oil spill.

Speaking from the scene, Minister Winde said there has been a marked decrease in the amount of oil along the coastline.

“It’s about 75% less than it was two days ago and the good news is that the oil leak has stopped. The vessel has turned, it’s facing out toward the ocean and the tug is connected.”

Minister Winde said the Western Cape Government was grateful to the organisations involved. “We have to express our gratitude to the professionals and volunteers who have had several late nights and early mornings. Their dedication to solving this problem is admirable, everyone has pulled together and the people of the Western Cape appreciate their extra time and effort,” said Minister Winde.

The Kiani Satu, carrying 15 000 toness of rice, ran aground at the tourism attraction, the Goukamma Nature Reserve, last week. The trawler had experienced engine problems, all 19 crewed were rescued.