Rena update (update 137)

21 December 2011 - 10.00AM

A total of 9 containers were removed from the Rena yesterday. This brings the total number of containers removed from Rena by Svitzer to 252

• This morning, the crane barge Smit Borneo will be repositioned on the starboard side of Rena. This repositioning will take most of the morning but container removal from the starboard side is expected to recommence this afternoon.
• Weather conditions are forecast to remain fine over Christmas with light winds from the northeast, turning east later and the swell dropping.
• Braemar Howells advises that 256 containers, which include those removed from Rena by the Svitzer salvage team, and those recovered from the water, have now been landed ashore for processing.
• A container recovery team went to Mōtītī Island yesterday and removed 4-5 skips of debris from the beach. Container debris was spotted five nautical miles north of Whangamata yesterday and retrieved.
• The oil spill response aerial observation team noted an oil sheen seen yesterday west of Mōtītī was not visible this morning. A narrow band of metallic rainbow sheen is visible for a couple of kilometres north west of Rena.
• Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Teams will be working towards Pāpāmoa today. Rock washing continues on Mauāo, along with hand cleaning at Matakana. At Mōtītī, the focus will be on the western side to prepare areas for the next bird release. Oiled debris was found at Kaituna yesterday by the river mouth.
• A wildlife team surveyed Mōtītī’s south western end overnight but found no oiled penguins. Thirteen clean birds were seen.
• The wildlife teams will be helping with rock washing today.