MNZ responding to incident off the coast of Tauranga

An aerial flight this morning has identified a light oil sheen on the surface of the water near a grounded vessel off the coast of Tauranga.

The oil sheen has been assessed as hydraulic oil from the vessel’s engine. All the fuel tanks are still intact.

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) was advised this morning that the 236m cargo vessel Rena had struck the Astrolabe Reef, near Tauranga Harbour, around 2.20am. There are no reported injuries to the 25 crew on board.

The Astrolabe Reef is about 4 nautical miles north of Motiti Island (about 12 nautical miles off the coast).

MNZ activated its Maritime Incident Response Team (MIRT), comprising technical maritime experts. The team is monitoring the situation closely from Wellington and has a Maritime Safety Inspector on board the vessel assessing the damage.

The inspector has advised there are several breaches to the ship’s hull, affecting cargo holds on the port side.

The vessel is on a 10 degree list, or lean, but is stable on the reef. As a precautionary measure, fuel in tanks on the port side is being transferred to the starboard side.

Pumps are also in operation to remove water from the cargo holds.

The ship’s captain is in discussion with the ship’s owner and salvage experts to assess how best to move the ship off the reef – this is expected to take some time.

MNZ’s Marine Pollution Response Service (MPRS) is mobilising its team of trained spill responders, as well as specialist equipment to Tauranga, as a precautionary measure.

Members of the National Oiled Wildlife Response Team are also on their way to Tauranga.

More information will be provided once it comes to hand.

Please see Responding to spills and pollution for information on New Zealand’s oil spill response system.