The department of environmental affairs approved an emergency request fromthe Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and the salvage team, led by Subtech ofDubai.

It called the dumping from the 151,000–dwt Greek ship (built 1996) “an interim measure”and a “viable solution” as long as strict environmental rules are adhered to.

About 50 000 tonnes of coal was spilled into the ocean after the vessel ranaground and broke in two off Richards Bay last month.

The