SOME ASPECTS OF THE CASTILLO DE BELLVER OILSPILL

The Castillo de Bellver incident resulted in the loss of between 160,000 and 190,000 t of crude oil. Not only was this the largest spill to date in South Africa, but it occurred near an area of great ecological sensitivity, and in the vicinity of important commercial fishing grounds. Despite this, observations during the spill and on subsequent surveys indicated that environmental damage was minimal. This can only be attributed to the favorable direction of the wind, which caused the slick to move offshore and into the Benguela current, thus allowing for its natural dispersion. Some concern remains over oil still trapped in the sunken stern section.