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.

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.

“The Department is also considering further options, including issuing directives, engaging the Navy for vessels of military interest, and unlocking the Maritime Fund,” the department said.

Meanwhile, the department said the revitalisation of South Africa’s Proclaimed Fishing Harbours was delivering results with upgrades completed at 15 sites.

"These harbours are more than physical structures. They are the engine rooms of local economies, supporting fishers, small businesses and the communities that depend on them. We are now seeing the impact of steady, focused work to restore and secure these public assets," said George.

In the 2024 to 2025 financial year, the 12 Proclaimed Fishing Harbours handled more than 1000 vessels. Thirty-three vessels have already been serviced this financial year, and more than 300 currently make use of mooring facilities. 

Completed work includes full signage installation at 15 sites to improve access and navigation, 24-hour security measures at high-risk locations such as Saldanha and Paarden Eiland, and progress in addressing sunken and abandoned vessels that create safety and environmental hazards.

Security interventions in place include real-time monitoring, alarm systems and armed response within ten minutes. Six more harbours, including Lamberts Bay, St Helena Bay, Hout Bay, Kalk Bay, Hermanus and Gansbaai, are scheduled to receive electronic security upgrades.

“Procurement is in progress following the submission of Terms of Reference in June. The remaining five harbours, currently classified as low risk, will be prioritised in the next quarter depending on budget availability,” the department said.

Signage upgrades were completed between April and June at all 12 Proclaimed Harbours, along with Elands Bay, Doringbaai and Yzerfontein. Additional signage was added at St Helena Bay on June 19.

George said the work is part of a broader effort to build a thriving blue economy that benefits all South Africans.

"We are investing in the future of coastal communities by ensuring these harbours are safe, accessible and fit for purpose. This is meaningful progress, and it will continue," the minister said.

Cape Times