South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) repairs said it had approved an emergency request from South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and the salvage team to dump 10,000 tonnes of coal into the sea as an interim measure.
The DEA noted 50,000 tonnes of spilled into the sea when the vessel initially broke in two and the condition of the bulker had made alternative dumping solutions by the salvors “almost impossible”.
“The Department is of the view that given the circumstances under which the salvage operation is taking place, and in consideration of the reasons provided by SAMSA, dumping coal in the sea is a viable solution,” the DEA said.
“However, the process of dumping coal in the sea has to comply and be consistent with the prescripts of the Integrated Coastal Management Act (IMC) and London Convention Protocol on Marine Environment Protection.”
The 151,279 dwt Smart ran aground on a sandbank on 19 August and suffered structural failure causing the vessel to split into two. The vessel was carrying a cargo of 147,650 tonnes of coal.
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