Mossel Bay beaches closed after oil spill

The Mossel Bay Municipality is issuing a formal notification that the Blue Flags will not be raised at any of the Blue Flag beaches in Mossel Bay until the beaches are safe for public use. This follows the municipality being notified on Monday afternoon, 28 November of an oil or hydrocarbon substance sticking to beach-goers’ feet who were walking between Hartenbos and Bayview beaches. The municipality’s Environmental Management Department activated its coastal management and rehabilitation service provider to investigate and to report on the complaint.

Today, 29 November, additional reports of the hydrocarbon substance were received regarding Santos beach, similar to that seen at Hartenbos beach. Another report was received from SMART (Stranded Marine Animals Rescue Team) regarding an oil spill in Kanon.

The municipality has notified the relevant provincial and national authorities. Feedback is being awaited for further action to be taken.

The following beaches will be closed till further noticed for public safety as a result of the presence of hydrocarbons/ an oil spill has been found:
– Hartenbos
– Diaz
– Santos
– Kanon
– Danabaai
– Klein Brak

The list will be amended and beaches added as the investigation progresses. Glentana main beach is clear. Therefore, the Blue Flag will be raised on 1 December should it remain clear of any contaminants.

The public Is urged to please refrain from walking or swimming on the beaches listed above until further beaches are declared safe.


error: eRadio is protected !!