Some hazardous cargo cleared
2003-09-01 20:12
Cape Town - Three of the 33 containers of hazardous cargo on the stranded Sealand Express have been cleared, the joint operations committee overseeing the incident said on Monday.
The removal of the hazardous material has become a priority for the salvage team following unsuccessful attempts to refloat the vessel over the weekend.
The Sealand Express drifted ashore in stormy weather on Table Bay's Sunset Beach on August 19.
The committee said that in addition to one emptied earlier, two containers were cleared on Sunday, using helicopters to take the cargo to shore.
Products removed so far included explosives, low-pressure gas and corrosive acids.
The operation was however suspended on Monday because of bad weather.
Salvors are aiming at the next spring tide, from September 11, for another refloating attempt.
- SAPA