Environmental
activists are upset after more than 1,500 tons of toxic chemicals were dumped
near St. Helena Bay.
The
chemical dump came from the NS Qingdao carrier, a South Korean bulk ship on its
way to the Marshall Islands. The ship was anchored in St. Helena Bay after the
cargo on the ship released toxic fumes.
The
cargo on the ship contained steel coils and fertilizers.
Activists
from several environmental groups such as the Extinction Rebellion and The
Green’s Connection said they were upset to learn the toxic waste dump was
permitted by the South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA) and the Department of
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Following
its anchoring in St. Helena Bay, the ship was issued an emergency dumping
permit from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
SAMSA
said the waste will end up in the bottom of the sea. The organization said they
have been “working tirelessly around the clock to safely manage the unstable
chemical cargo since the encounter with its bearer vessel, the NS Qingdao, in
Durban last October.”
“The vessel has no obvious structural damage,
and she will return to the closest port after the dumping operation is complete
and her cargo is stabilized,” SAMSA said. “An investigation will also be
conducted to determine the reason for the cargo reaction.”
The
dumping operation is expected to conclude by mid-March 2022.
By
Ben Rappaport
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