Boaties reminded about exclusion zone

Bay of Plenty Regional Council harbourmasters are reminding boaties about the exclusion zone surrounding the grounded container ship MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef.

The Harbourmaster has directed that the area of sea within three nautical miles of the grounded vessel Rena is closed to unauthorised vessels or persons.

People are advised to check the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website or with the local coastguard on radio channels VHF 16 or 83, to find out the latest information before taking their vessels out, while the Rena response continues.

Boat operators are reminded to take extra care around three anchoring sites, used for corralling containers that have fallen off the Rena. Currently there are no containers in these areas, but there are unlit buoys, ropes, chains and anchors, so it is advisable to take extra precautions. These sites are east of Rabbit Island (Motuotau Island), off the western side of Mōtītī Island and off the coast of Pāpāmoa Beach.

They are also reminded to keep well clear of all response vessels assisting with the Rena situation, and to keep an active lookout for any debris, oil or containers.

It is important to notify Maritime New Zealand immediately if you see oil or containers in the water, by calling 0800 645 774.

Anyone found in the exclusion zone without the express permission of the harbourmaster may be or fined $200 or could be prosecuted.