Rena update (update 139)

23 December 2011 - 10.30AM

A total of 42 containers were removed from Rena by the Svitzer salvage team yesterday – a record number since container removal began on 16 November. This brings the total number of containers removed from Rena to 294.

• There were 1368 containers on board Rena when it ran aground on 5 October – 89 have washed overboard. There are now 985 left on board.
• Container removal operations will continue today with salvors intending to make the most of the good weather.
• Salvors are also working to mitigate the oil seeping from the number 3 cargo hold.
• The weather is forecast to remain fine the next few days with winds of around 10 knots.
• Braemar Howells confirms 31 containers were landed ashore yesterday – 15 were empty and 16 were refrigerated containers which have been taken for processing at Truman’s Lane.
• Braemar Howells container recovery teams are continuing to work on Mōtītī Island. A report of debris near Whale Island yesterday was followed up with an aerial observation flight, but nothing was found. White Island will be checked today.
• The oil spill response aerial observation team confirmed the oil sheen extending approximately 5km from Rena this morning.
• Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Teams will be at Pāpāmoa today.
• Most clean-up teams are standing down today for the holiday break, although the beach groomer will be working at Maketū Spit. The Kulim Park wall will be back in place today and this is the last day for warm water washing at the Mount. Most of the work today will be tidying up for the holiday break.
• Oil spill response teams will continue to survey shoreline areas over the holiday period, and clean-up teams will be on stand-by and ready to respond to any reports of fresh oiling.
• Wildlife night operations teams checked Mōtītī last night but found no oiled birds. A large team will be at the Mount again tonight.
• The oiled wildlife facility at Te Maunga is closing down, although several structures will remain at the site so it can be remobilised if needed. The last 15 penguins and one dotterel in care at the facility will be taken to Massey University this afternoon for ongoing care. These birds are remaining in care because either their habitats are not clean enough to receive them or their health requires ongoing attention. They will be released back into the wild in the Bay of Plenty when their habitats and their health allows.
• Ongoing monitoring of wildlife will continue. In particular, the public is urged to notify 0800 333 771 of any dead penguins they encounter in the Tauranga area.
• There is still oil in the environment and on the ship. Contingency plans are in place so the response can be ramped up quickly should the need arise. Operations will escalate again after New Year.