The first phase of a precarious salvage operation commenced at first light on Tuesday, with bunker fuel being pumped from the holed bulk carrier Cape Africa to the tanks of the salvage tug Nikolay Chiker.
”A pumping rate of approximately 50 tons per hour is currently being achieved and the operation will continue day and night, weather and swell permitting,” the joint operations committee said on Tuesday.
On Monday the final adjustments were made to the equipment, with connections and hose pressure being tested.
The Cape Africa is under tow by the salvage tug Smit Amandla approximately 250km west of Cape Town.
The transfer of 1 000 tons of bunker fuel is the first phase of the salvage operation.
Two teams will be working alternate shifts 24 hours a day, weather permitting, in a bid to remove as much fuel as possible.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority has ordered that the bulk carrier remain at least 190km off of Cape Town until all the bunker fuel has been transferred.
The condition of Cape Africa is reported to be stable, with a hole in her hull extending about 20 metres by five metres.
Her captain and crew were flown off on April 28 after reporting extensive structural damage in hold number 3.
The 150 000 dead weight bulk carrier is owned by U-Ming Marine Transportation Corporation and was built in 1991.
It was carrying a cargo of iron ore and was en route to the Far East from Ponta da Madeira in Brazil when she reported trouble. – Sapa