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Rena update (update 154)

Maritime New Zealand

Tuesday 10 January 2012, 8:24PM

By Maritime New Zealand

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BAY OF PLENTY

10 January 2012 - 6.00PM

The stern section of the MV Rena has remained perched on the edge of the Astrolabe Reef since 10am, with about 75 percent submerged, including the bridge.

The following information was provided at today’s press conference. You can watch footage from the press conference at www.youtube.comopregionalcouncil

Salvage – Dave Billington, Maritime New Zealand Salvage Unit

  • The condition of the stern section of the Rena began to change significantly from about 8.30am today.
  • The anchor tug Go Canopus began an attempt to reposition the stern section on the reef to make it easier for the container recovery barge Smit Borneo to move closer to the Rena once container operations resumed. This proved impossible due to the weight of the ship and the water entering the vessel.
  • A helicopter with salvors landed on the bow section of the Rena at 9.20am to monitor the condition of the stern, which progressively sank between 9.30am and 10am.
  • The stern section has been stable since 10am, with about 75 percent underwater – including the bridge.
  • A small amount of oil and debris, and two containers were discharged from the stern section as it submerged.
  • Weather and sea conditions at the reef have not allowed salvors to board the stern. When possible, divers will inspect the hull and there will be an assessment of whether the Smit Borneo can be repositioned over the wreck.

Oil Spill Response – Alex van Wijngaarden, MNZ National On Scene Commander

  • Trajectory modelling of the oil released today shows that it is likely to reach Motiti Island about 6pm today, and the beach between Maketu and Matata late tomorrow.
  • The National Response Team has been mobilised and plans are in place to put out booms to prevent as much oil as possible from reaching sensitive areas along the coast.
  • The volunteer Adopt-A-Beach programme has been reactivated
  • The salvors have equipment at the reef to try and contain any oil escaping from the wreck.

Containers and Debris – Claudene Sharp, Braemar Howells Operations Manager

  • Two containers were discharged from the stern section as it sank. One sank and the other floated. It has since been taken in tow by a tug.
  • There are 11 other pieces of containers adrift
  • BH has deployed 13 vessels, ranging from tugs and barges to a fast response vessel, from the Waihi Beach area south to Motiti.
  • BH has identified 49 containers either floating or beached since the Rena split at the weekend. Of those, around 25 are beached.
  • The containers which have beached are known to contain timber, paper, plastics and milk powder.. None contain hazardous goods.
  • The furthest north that containers have been located is Whiritoa, north of Waihi Beach.
  • BH has activated 11 hubs along the coast, to coordinate the collection of debris.
  • Today, over 140 people were involved with removing debris along the coast and on Matakana.
  • 13 containers are confirmed ashore at Waihi Beach, of which 4 have already been removed, 1 was destroyed in rough seas and 8 remain.
  • Wherever possible, containers and debris will be recovered on the water.

Paul van’t Hof, Svitzer Salvage Master

  • Until the swells subside, it is not possible to assess the condition of the submerged stern section or carry out underwater surveys and plan further salvage operations
  • The Smit Borneo is still available if it proves possible to resume container operations
  • Sensors on the bow section of the Rena show that it is still stable

Hon Gerry Brownlee, Minister of Transport

  • The Government is satisfied that the response is being conducted very professionally
  • Cooperation between MNZ, local councils, Svitzer Salvage, Braemar Howells and iwi is resulting in smooth operations.
  • Waihi Beach residents have expressed their satisfaction with the speed of the debris removal

Hon Nick Smith, Minister for the Environment

  • The amount of oil released in the last 24 hours is very small – in single digits
  • Containers and debris are being collected and removed efficiently
  • Catherine Taylor, the former Director of MNZ, has been engaged by the Ministry for the Environment to lead the long-term environmental recovery programme, starting tomorrow.