/ 24 June 2000

SHIP SINKS, POLLUTES CAPE COAST

A SLICK of oil has been sighted around 9km off the Cape west coast, near the spot where the bulk carrier Treasure sank earlier in the day. Marine officials said the pear-shaped slick, about 5km by 7km, was spotted around noon by Kuswag VII, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism’s oil pollution patrol aircraft. The Treasure sunk in the same area in 50 metres of water around 4am. The South African Maritime Safety Authority said cursory diving inspections were conducted on Friday afternoon to determine the source of the oil coming to the surface. Samsa said if at all possible, the source will be sealed. Earlier on Friday arrangements were put into place to protect the Koeberg power station and the colony of penguins on nearby Robben Island.