Rena update (update 80)

7 November 2011: 10.30am

Calm conditions are aiding salvors on board the Rena as they prepare to pump heavy fuel oil from the submerged Number 5 starboard wing tank onto the tanker Awanuia.

Preparations include placing over 150 metres of hose (weighing 3 tonnes), two large pumps and up to 40 metres of ladders, which are being used to create a smooth, straight path for the oil. At the same time, 750 tonnes of seawater is being pumped in to fill the tank and raise the oil to the top.

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) Salvage Unit Manager Kenny Crawford said pumping was also underway to remove lubricating oil from the vessel.

On shore, NZ Defence Force personnel continue to work on beach clean up operations, while there are two volunteer clean-up events this morning, at Maketu and Papamoa.

The number of birds in care at the Oiled Wildlife Facility remains at 403, including over 200 penguins which are being held in outdoor enclosures.

Braemar Howells continues to carry out sonar searches of the seabed to locate containers lost overboard from the Rena during the storm three weeks ago. Anyone finding container debris is asked to report this on 0800 OILSPILL.