The SEA Elegance was taken to berth 107 at the container terminal amidst tight security at the former MPT berthon Saturday. Metro and NPA fire department officials were also on duty as SA Port Operations (SAPO) took special measures to handle the containers, some of which were badly buckled and burned. According to SAPO each container on the stern of the ship, where the fire raged, would have to be inspected for leaks and toxicity. The ship also suffered damage to the bridge and accommodation area. One Sri Lankan seafarer lost his life. According to a report from Captain Bill Dernier, head of the SA Maritime Safety Association (SAMSA), just before we went to print, “the evidence is looking very strong that a container of calcium hypochloride (swimming pool chemical) exploded”. This, he added, is right at the bottom of a hold, and he only expected it to be reached two days after he talked to us (Wednesday, October 22). But, Dernier told FTW: “The bulkheads in that area are buckled, strongly indicating an explosion there.” The SA Police has also declared the ship a crime scene - following the culpable homicide charges laid because of the loss of one crew member soon after the explosion. The minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Valli Moosa, last week confirmed that hazardous cargo had not been correctly indicated on the ship’s manifest when he strongly condemned the non-declaration of the extremely hazardous cargo, calling it totally unacceptable. He said this would be met with the strongest possible action by his department. “We have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the public and the protection of our environment.” He said it was ironic that the fire could have occurred at the start of National Marine Week.
