Public urged to report sightings of bottles washing ashore

The public is urged to be on the lookout for pharmaceutical bottles containing pills that continue to wash ashore along the south-east coastline of South Africa between the Wild Coast and Mossel Bay.

This as the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) said it was in the process of the clean-up and recovery of shipping containers lost at sea over the past six weeks, from at least three vessels.

“Samsa is currently in the process of co-ordinating the clean-up and recovery of shipping containers, flotsam (floating wreckage of a ship or its cargo), associated pollutants, and products washing ashore along the south-east coastline of South Africa. This follows the loss of containers from at least three vessels over the past six weeks due to adverse weather conditions.”

In addition to the flotsam, Samsa said it was also monitoring pharmaceutical bottles containing pills that continue to wash ashore.

“The public is urged not to consume these items under any circumstances as they may pose serious health risks.

“Samsa, in collaboration with relevant authorities and the owners of the affected vessel has implemented a monitoring, recovery and clean-up plan. Environmental cleaning companies, Extreme Projects and SpillTech, have been appointed to lead the clean-up efforts. They have set up collection points.”

Meanwhile, the South Africa Incident Management Organisation (IMOrg) recently investigated an alleged oil spill from a container cargo vessel that was anchored in Algoa Bay, where the TNPA, DFFE, SANParks and SANCCOB met the vessel agent and vessel insurer’s representatives in South Africa.

To report sightings of containers, pharmaceutical bottles or other debris and to obtain information on the location of drop-off points, members of the public can call the toll-free number 063 404 2128.

Cape Times