SAMSA tasked with removing abandoned vessels following legal notice expiry

THE department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has initiated processes with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to remove a number of identified shipwrecks and recover costs from the responsible parties.

- STAFF REPORTER

This comes after Minister Dion George directed the urgent removal of wrecked and abandoned vessels that pose significant risks to navigation, marine ecosystems, and the safety of coastal communities, by June 16.

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.

"A Marine Notice issued to vessel owners expired on June 16, 2025 with no response. The Department has now initiated processes with SAMSA in terms of the Wreck and Salvage Act. Minister George confirmed that SAMSA is required to remove the wrecks and recover costs from the responsible parties.