Environment at risk
2003-08-22 22:08
Cape Town - Ecologists are holding their breaths because of the potential danger the Sealand Express holds for the coastline.
The sinking of the Treasure in 2002 and the resulting oil pollution that affected thousands of African penguins, Capetonians are thoroughly aware how much damage to the environment such a disaster can cause.
During the Treasure drama in June of that year, more than 1 500 tons of oil was spilt along the coast. About 19 000 marine birds had to be cleaned and rehabilitated.
Now, environmentalists are concerned about the nature of the uranium ore aboard the freight vessel and that oil could leak from the ship. The vessel has almost three times as much oil on board than the Treasure.
Carol Moses of the department of environmental affairs says between 30 and 50 tons of oil is being pumped from the ship every hour at present. There are 3 700 tons of marine fuel and 4 800 litres lubricating oil aboard.
Barriers against possible oil pollution have been erected at the Milnerton lagoon, and the Sout River mouth has been closed off.
Dune ecology
Meanwhile, people are still streaming to Milnerton to have a look at the stranded ship and are trampling and disturbing the sensitive dune habitat.
Authorities have confirmed that a small amount of propyl acetate is leaking from a freight container aboard the ship. This is an extremely flammable and volatile chemical.
Professor Geoff Brundrit of the University of Cape Town's (UCT) oceanography department says the ship is resting on a substantial sand bank, which reduces the possibility that the hull will tear. Brundrit is concerned about a possible oil spill, as well as the 50 tons of uranium and propyl acetate aboard.
Professor Roger Hunt of UCT's chemistry department warns that the propyl acetate is more dangerous to humans than to marine life.
Hunter also says that if the uranium was being transported in a salt form, it could be dangerous. "It is radio-active and toxic when dissolved in water."
Professor John Bolton, UCT algae biologist, says oil causes the biggest problems when a ship runs aground. It has a suffocating effect and destroys marine life.
Oil also prevents marine birds from swimming and flying.
Robben Island, close to where the ship has stranded, has one of the most important breeding colonies of endangered African penguins. Recent oil spills have killed thousands of adult birds and disrupted breeding pairs.