Latest news with #SAMSA
IOL News
28-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Minister orders removal of wrecked and abandoned vessels by June 16
Half sunken boats are seen at Hout Bay Harbour. Picture Henk Kruger/ Independent Media FILE Image: Henk Kruger/ Independent Media / FILE Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr Dion George has directed the urgent removal of wrecked and abandoned vessels that pose significant risks to navigation, marine ecosystems, and the safety of coastal communities. In a statement on Tuesday, the department said George was taking steps to address longstanding environmental and safety complexities in South Africa's proclaimed fishing harbors, including Gordons Bay, Lamberts Bay, Saldanha Bay, St Helena Bay, and Hout Bay. 'For too long, these derelict vessels have been a blight on our harbors, endangering our marine environment and the safety of those who rely on these waters,' said George. 'I am committed to reversing this legacy of neglect and ensuring our coastal infrastructure supports both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.' Under the authority of the Wreck and Salvage Act 94 of 1996, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has issued Marine Information Notice MIN 08-25, directing the owners of identified wrecks to remove their vessels by June 16, 2025. Failure to comply by this date will result in further action by the authorities, with costs recoverable from the owners as stipulated in the Act. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The department said the initiative reflects the Minister's dedication to restoring the integrity of South Africa's coastal infrastructure. 'Our harbors are vital to our coastal communities and marine ecosystems. By removing these wrecks, we are safeguarding our oceans for future generations and creating safer, more sustainable hubs for maritime activities,' said George. The department said in consultation with SAMSA, it will ensure that the process is conducted responsibly, prioritising environmental protection and compliance with legal frameworks. George called on all vessel owners to cooperate fully with the directive and contact SAMSA promptly to arrange compliance by the deadline. 'I urge vessel owners to act swiftly and responsibly to meet the June 16, 2025 deadline,' George said. The SAMSA Marine Information Notice MIN 08-25 is available at or contact SAMSA at marinenotices@ for more information. Cape Times
The South African
28-05-2025
- General
- The South African
Urgent order to remove wrecked and abandoned vessels from SA harbours
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has directed the urgent removal of wrecked and abandoned vessels that pose significant risks to navigation, marine ecosystems, and the safety of coastal communities. These efforts reflect the bold steps being taken to address longstanding environmental and safety complexities in South Africa's proclaimed fishing harbours, including Gordon's Bay, Lamberts Bay, Saldanha Bay, St Helena Bay and Hout Bay. 'For too long, these derelict vessels have been a blight on our harbours, endangering our marine environment and the safety of those who rely on these waters. I am committed to reversing this legacy of neglect and ensuring our coastal infrastructure supports both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity,' the Minister said. Under the authority of the Wreck and Salvage Act 94 of 1996, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has issued Marine Information Notice MIN 08-25, directing the owners of identified wrecks to remove their vessels by 16 June 2025. Failure to comply by this date will result in further action by the authorities, with costs recoverable from the owners as stipulated in the Act. According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment the removal of these wrecks will enhance the safety of harbours, protect marine biodiversity, and support the livelihoods of communities that depend on these waters. 'Our harbours are vital to our coastal communities and marine ecosystems. By removing these wrecks, we are safeguarding our oceans for future generations and creating safer, more sustainable hubs for maritime activities,' George said. The department, in consultation with SAMSA, will ensure that the process is conducted responsibly, prioritising environmental protection and compliance with legal frameworks. The Minister has called on all wrecked and abandoned vessel owners to cooperate fully with this directive and contact SAMSA promptly to arrange compliance by 16 June 2025. 'I urge vessel owners to act swiftly and responsibly to meet the 16 June 2025 deadline. Together, we can restore the vibrancy of our harbours and protect the natural heritage of our coastline,' he said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
20-05-2025
- The South African
Why you should AVOID the Robben Island ferry for your own safety
The Robben Island Museum (RIM) is facing serious scrutiny following revelations that it operated a ferry with significant safety defects during peak tourist season, potentially endangering passengers en route to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. An investigation by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) uncovered alarming deficiencies in the ferry's condition. The report highlighted inadequate maintenance, poor monitoring of weather conditions, and non-compliance with basic maritime safety protocols. Notably, the ferry was operated without full awareness of prevailing sea conditions – a factor previously linked to other safety incidents involving RIM ferries. Critics say the findings reflect a deeper issue of operational negligence. The ferry, tasked with transporting thousands of visitors between Cape Town and Robben Island, was not adequately equipped for the often-treacherous waters in the region. The use of substandard vessels and a failure to adopt improved safety practices have prompted calls for stronger oversight and stricter enforcement of maritime safety standards. Following past incidents, RIM had promised to implement several safety enhancements, including better weather monitoring systems and a stricter maintenance regime. However, the latest SAMSA findings suggest these commitments have not been fully realised. The museum's management has yet to issue a comprehensive response, deepening public concern over whether safety is being prioritised adequately. As investigations continue, tourism industry stakeholders and safety advocates are calling for greater transparency and accountability. They argue that the safety of visitors – and the reputation of one of South Africa's most important historical sites – must be protected. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for robust governance within heritage institutions and a renewed focus on public safety. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
CBS News
09-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Dozens of Narcan stations targeted, cleared out in Oakland County, Michigan
A local organization is working to track down the person responsible for clearing out multiple save-a-life naloxone stations across Oakland County in the last few weeks. "We've seen a great decrease in actual overdose fatalities here in Oakland County," said Steve Norris, director of recovery support for the Alliance of Coalitions. Norris believes access to Naloxone, also called Narcan, an overdose reversal medication, plays a major role in the drop in deaths in Oakland County. That resource, along with many others, is provided in more than 100 save-a-life stations scattered in multiple communities across the county. "So, unfortunately, a few weeks ago, we had either one or multiple individuals decide that it would be a good idea to completely empty those stations out," Norris said. Officials said 38 stations were impacted. Norris is unsure of the motive but has his suspicions. "Panic related to federal funding being pulled, perhaps SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) being pulled. There could be fear related to what's going to happen if these vital tools for our community are taken away by the federal government and that's valid. However, it hasn't happened yet," Norris stated. Norris is disappointed and says that though the nonprofit has enough supplies to restock these stations, actions like these restrict vital, lifesaving medicine to those whose lives depend on it. "Taking those resources in bulk from those machines hurts the community the most. We're here as a resource, so if you're concerned about those problems, let's talk, let's have a conversation," said Norris. Out of respect for the community's privacy, the Alliance of Coalitions has said previously that it will not look at surveillance video of these save-a-life stations. However, because of these incidents, the organization did look at the video and believes it has identified the person responsible.
