Stranded ship almost empty

2006-07-20 16:28

East London - Only 150 containers remained on board the stranded Safmarine Agulhas in East London, said the national ports authority (NPA) on Thursday.

The vessel was carrying 469 loaded containers when it ran aground after its engines failed shortly after it left East London Harbour last month.

The containers were loaded with goods including frozen fish, construction materials and automotive parts.

NPA spokesperson Terry Taylor said: "There are only 150 containers left in holds two and three."

Those already removed from the ship were being kept at a separate holding facility at the harbour.

They were not being emptied "because it's a custom-controlled issue", said Taylor.

"Arrangements with various representatives will have to made before any cargo is moved."

Containers steam-cleaned

A small oil leak on Monday had meant that some containers had to be steam-cleaned when they were brought off the ship.

There had been no oil leaks since then said Taylor, describing the situations as "looking positive".

Salvors had skimmed the oil from the water, which flooded holds two and three.

"They are working well, with divers on board, managing the situation."

He said the steady deterioration of the vessel's structural integrity remained a cause for concern and was being assessed and monitored by the onboard salvage team.

The NPA was keeping a close watch on the operation from the Kuswag 4 boat and the Kuswag 8 fixed-wing aircraft.

- SAPA