Rena update (update 64)

30 October 2011: 2.15pm

Navigation warnings remain in place in the Bay of Plenty, as 58 containers from Rena remain unaccounted for.

Of the 88 containers lost overboard on 11 October, 15 have been recovered, with recovery under way for another seven that have washed ashore.

Eight others have been identified as sunk in waters up to 60m deep within a kilometre of the vessel.

About half the containers lost were empty.

Four of the containers whose location has been identified remain joined – ie, two sets of two containers.

Members of the public who find containers on the beach should call 0800 OIL SPILL (0800 645 774) , unless the containers are tagged to show that they have already been identified.

It is important not to touch the containers or consume any of the goods that have come free from the containers. These might be contaminated and they still belong to the owners.

Extreme caution should also be exercised in all waters of the Bay of Plenty region as shipping containers and debris from the stranded vessel Rena may be present throughout these waters.

Vessel skippers who come across containers or container debris in the water should report this via maritime radio or the 0800 OIL SPILL number, including the position, drift direction, size, colour and condition of the container and any other relevant information. Skippers should not attempt to tow or move containers.

Recreational boaties are also still being urged to stay off the water around the Bay of Plenty. Oily water can damage their boat's motors and boats travelling through oily water could then go on to contaminate otherwise clean sites.

If boaties do find oil on their vessels, they are advised to take the boat and trailer to a self service car wash. Such car washes are designed to cope with oil and other pollutants.