Dear MyPE
Like a story from a novel one reads on social media, various online papers, in the news, on TV and on 50/50, the story of the Baratz as it gathers momentum and goes viral.
What is it that makes this wreck so different to other fishing vessels sunk in all the years off Algoa Bay? Apparently 400 wrecks lie within and on the boundary of Algoa Bay so why is there such a hype about this one?
Maybe the rescue of all crew after a mysterious accident by the brave Air Force and NSRI, followed by a huge SAMSA investigation, whilst we pray for a potential environmental “mini” disaster to be avoided.
In my opinion it is common knowledge we live in a time of connectivity clashing with government and control, citizens are more informed about the threat of Global Warming and the environment. It has been predicted that the African Penguin has four years left before extinction and a huge battle for control of dwindling marine resources has started – the proposed Fish Farm off of our beaches being the first salvo as our marine resources become scarce and more expensive to harvest ‘in the wild’. We have to change our attitudes and work in harmony with our marine environment to secure the survival of future generations of South Africans.
In our highly regulated marine environment of Fishing industry permits, regulations and restrictions enforced by Ocean & Coast it seems as though the owners of the Baratz and their insurers are escaping their responsibility with regards to containing and ensuring that an environmental disaster caused by the wreck of the Baratz does not take place.
It is a mystery to me how the Baratz’s Insurers only seem to be observing and not being proactive – the potential negative promotion of this company could be devastating for their shareholders and their future and present clients.
How can an insurer stand idly by, not issue a public statement and seemingly do nothing to engage in the protection of Algoa Bay?
The public would appreciate knowing exactly how much diesel is on-board, how much hydraulic oil, what other potential products damaging to the environment are on-board and fixed time frames on how they intend to make the wreck and Algoa Bay safe.
The wreck of the Baratz presents a clear danger to the Abalone seeding project off of Cape Recife and is almost right offshore of an important marine rehabilitation center – SAMREC, who have pointed out that ingested diesel (even just from preening) has the potential to negatively affect liver function in penguins. Add in the possibility of squid catches also being contaminated and the insurers and owners are exposing themselves to large liabilities once the authorities catch up and apportion blame.
It is well known that the owners, have retrieved crayfish traps, ropes and cranes off of the Baratz – destined for their new vessel – in an operation paid for by insurance!
Shame on you, the sea is your and your workers livelihood and it is your obligation to help sustain the resources Mother Nature provides you with to keep your business profitable and yet you seem NOT to care.
Continued pressure from media and NGO’s after no action since 27 November 2015 saw Xtreme Projects and CDC divers offering to put their lives in danger to clear your mess by retrieving the diesel at their own risk and cost.
The sinking of the Baratz offered an ideal ‘small scale test opportunity’ for authorities, NGO’s and salvage companies to come together in a co-ordinated fashion to secure the wreck and practise preventing an environmental disaster from happening. Questions will now remain about how our authorities will handle a bigger disaster – like a tanker getting wrecked – in future.
Regards
Related: Fishing boat sinks off Cape Recife | NMBT Comment on the Baratz | Underwater Footage of the Wreck of the Baratz | Diesel escaping from the wreck of the Baratz | Baratz wreck is a ‘No Go No Dive’ area | NMMU watches over Baratz Flotsam | Baratz Flotsam off Cape Recife | Baratz Diesel and Rope Flotsam | MyPE Image: Cape Receife | MyPE Image: Algoa Bay Yacht Club | Panyiota K Discharges into PE Harbour | We are in danger of destroying our HOPE SPOT | Fishing boat sinks off Cape Recife | Baratz Wreck – now an Environmental Disaster for Algoa Bay | Environmentalists Highlight Dangers of Diesel Spill from the Baratz.
Alan Straton
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