Gqeberha, 10 September 2024.
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) has been activated following an oil spill that occurred in Algoa Bay on Saturday, 7 September 2024. The cause of the oil spill is under investigation. Surveillance by boat, air, and land is underway to determine the extent of the impact; however, the spill has already resulted in the oiling of endangered seabirds.
SAMSA has reported that the spillage was first detected on the afternoon of Saturday, 7 September 2024. An oily substance in the water was confirmed, believed to be leaking from the MV MSC Apollo, anchored in Algoa Bay. Response teams are actively working to contain the spill and mitigate its environmental impact.
As of the 10th of September, SANParks rangers have rescued six oiled African penguins from St Croix Island, with at least two additional oiled penguins evading capture. The oiled African penguins have been admitted to SANCCOB Gqeberha and are being stabilised. In accordance with the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, SAMSA swiftly initiated all relevant oil spill response teams, including SANCCOB, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), South African National Parks (SANParks), Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), and other relevant stakeholders.
Oil pollution has impacted African penguin populations for decades. However, populations at St Croix Island are critically low due to depleted prey availability and the effects of ship-to-ship fuel bunkering, resulting in underwater noise pollution, which seems to interfere with foraging behavior. This endangered species is in a vulnerable state and cannot afford to endure further environmental threats, particularly oil pollution.
The public is encouraged to report any sightings of oiled seabirds to SANCCOB Gqeberha at 041 583 1830 or via the emergency after-hours line at 064 019 8936.