THE KAPODISTRIAS GROUNDING AND OIL SPILL CAPE RECIFE, SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

ABSTRACT In July 1985, a Panamanian registered bulk carrier, the Kapodistrias ran aground off Cape Recife, South Africa with just over 900 m3 of oil on board as fuel. Some oil was lost to the sea at various stages during the attempted salvage operation. Wind and wave action drove a part of this oil into Algoa Bay, to within 10 km of St. Croix Island which is an important breeding area for jackass penguins (Spheniscus demersus). The effect of oil on the penguin population and the action taken is discussed, as are the immediate uptake and subsequent depuration of hydrocarbons in locally occurring shellfish. No other major environmental damage occurred. Despite the relatively small size of the spill (500 m3 over 15 days), a significant effect on seabirds was observed, indicating that the influence of an oil spill depends not only on the amount of oil spilled but also on the sensitivity of the environment affected.