Tag Archives: Smit Amandla

Kiani Satu Has Sunk

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The Kiani Satu sank at 4am this morning, approximately 200km south of Knysna. She lies 1km below sunlight, on the bottom of the Indian Ocean, her cargo of oil imprisoned by cold water and pressure but, like all inmates, hoping to escape one day. We’re hoping that the oil will be removed as soon as possible as opposed to the possibility that no plan will go into action until there’s a leak (which could be years from now). But with no talk of further action and press releases/other media only … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Kianu Satu is Sinking With Oil Aboard

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The Kianu Satu, the cargo ship that ran aground on Knysna’s coast and was re-floated on Monday after spilling up to 70 tons of oil, is now sinking with her remaining oil, approximately 260 tons, on board. Captain Nigel Campbell (SAMSA) said that ship has faced heavy seas and was taking on water. At a rate of 6 tons per day, it will be a slow sinking. At 100 nautical miles (180km) south of Knysna, she is halfway across South Africa’s sea territory, over deep water. The salvors have secured … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Kiani Satu & Tug Survive 10m Swells Overnight

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Captain Nigel Campbell (SAMSA) saws that the tow rope attached to the Kiani Satu cargo ship and the Smit Amandla tug survived 10m swells last night. Swells at 7-8m now and will drop over the next 3 days. They are 30 nautical miles off shore over 120m of water. Nothing can be done until sea subsides but they are trying to find an appropriate vessel to take the oil (as opposed to the helicopter).

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The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Kiani Satu – They Did It!!!!

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Against dwindling odds, 9 days later, and with a mega storm brewing, SAMSA and a massive emergency crew got the Kianu Satu afloat at 1020am this morning (Saturday, August 17)! The ship and it’s oil that has threatened Knysna is currently 24km offshore and above 90m of water. That, in itself, is a victory that so many people have being working so hard to achieve BUT as one danger ends so another begins. Captain Nigel Campbell (SAMSA) is proud of his team but considers the next 48hrs critical. The helicopter … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Knysna Municipality Responds to Oil Spill

Mike Hampton Posted on by

This is an important and informative update. I previously, and partly incorrectly, reported that Knysna Municipality hadn’t been in contact with the public. There may be no information on their website (nothing since June 2!) but they did address an email to limited ‘stakeholders’ at 11pm on Sunday, saying that it should be shared.  Thank you to the gentleman who forwarded it to me now. It makes for an interesting read and is still relevant as the flotation of the Kiani Satu was delayed.

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The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!