More than 100 trained individuals are cleaning-up stranded hydrocarbon, low-sulphur fuel oil droplets at more than 20 beaches along the Garden Route.

Efforts have resulted in several beaches already moving to green status, which include all the Blue Flag Beaches of Mossel Bay.

While assessments found that several others in George, Hessequa, Knysna and Bitou were also affected by the spill, clean-up teams have already responded promptly to remove droplets.

Garden Route District Municipality manager Gerhard Otto says: “Holiday-goers and residents can be assured that the region is ready for its upcoming holiday season.

“The multi-agency response team indicated that most beaches will be cleaned by the end of this weekend, dependent on the 3.5m swells expected tonight.”

According to Otto, the reconnaissance flight planned for yesterday could not take place due to foggy weather conditions, thus, being postponed to today.

The plane is flying from Plettenberg Bay to Gouritz along the coastline and will paint a clear picture of any visible patches of oil along the coastline and possibly identify the cause of the spill.

Meanwhile, PetroSA says it has noted with concern the Mossel Bay Municipality’s public notification regarding an oily substance detected on a number of beaches in the region.

It also stated that the relevant authorities were notified and that a specialist service provider has been activated to assist with the situation.

PetroSA spokesperson Thandi Nameka says PetroSA, having operational facilities in the area, has launched an investigation into this matter along with the local authorities.

“At this stage it is not expected that PetroSA could be the source of the spillage, however, we are conducting further assessment. The outcome will be communicated to the relevant stakeholders. As a responsible corporate, PetroSA remains committed to the safety and the well-being of its communities including the protection of the environment,” Nameka says.