SANCCOB is aware of the tar balls (small, sticky, clumps of weathered oil) that have washed up on beaches in Algoa Bay and surrounding areas over the past weekend, as well as recent reports from the Garden Route and Struisbaai region. SANCCOB has reported the tar balls to the relevant authorities for their urgent attention.
SANCCOB is mandated to rescue, rehabilitate and release seabirds that have been affected by oil. Unfortunately, SANCCOB has no responsibility for spill-related clean-up operations; these responsibilities are outlined in South Africa’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan and the relevant Local Oil Spill Contingency Plans.
SANCCOB would like to remind the public that tar balls consist of oil, which is toxic to people and wildlife. Please refrain from handling tar balls or attempting to clean them up yourself. Instead, report any findings to the appropriate authorities. Seabirds are particularly vulnerable to oil pollution; even a small amount of oil can damage their feathers, compromising their waterproofing. If ingested, oil can severely damage internal organs. Without swift intervention, oiled birds may not survive.
Any marine related oil spills can be reported to SAMSA’s Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre at (+27) 021 938 3300and to your local municipality’s disaster management centre.
For any sightings of oiled seabirds, please contact: +27 21 557 6155 or +27 78 638 3731 (After Hours) for Cape Town and +27 41 583 1830 for Gqeberha or +27 64 019 8936 (After Hours)
