Garden Route: Several beaches in Mossel Bay closed due to possible oil spill!
The Mossel Bay Municipality announed on 29 November 2022 that several beaches along the Garden Route in Mossel Bay have been closed to the public. The Blue Flags will not be raised at any of the Blue Flag beaches in Mossel Bay until the beaches are safe againfor public use. The Municipality was being notified on 28 November 2022 of an oil or hydrocarbon substance sticking to beach-goers’ feet who were walking between Hartenbos and Bayview beaches. Additional reports of the hydrocarbon substance were also received regarding Santos beach, similar to that seen at Hartenbos beach. Another report was received from the Stranded Marine Animals Rescue Team (SMART) regarding an oil spill in Kanon.
Clean-up teams have been deployed and are working to isolate the oil spill and clear beaches so they can be re-opened in time for the coming holidays. A ask team has been deployed to establish the source of the pollution and to assist with effective clean-up efforts.
The following beaches are closed till further noticed for public safety:
- Hartenbos
- Diaz
- Santos
- Kanon
- Danabaai
- Klein Brak
- Suiderkruis
- Souweisa
Glentana main beach is clear. Therefore, the Blue Flag will be raised on 01 December 2022 should it remain clear of any contaminants.
