Rena update (update 173)

19 January 2012 - 8.50AM

Ten containers were removed from the bow of the Rena wreck yesterday.

Salvage

• Another transfer of milk powder by helicopter will take place today.
• The rest of the day will be spent removing containers from the bow.
• Smit Borneo is alongside the bow section of the wreck and salvors are hoping to start container removal from the bow.
• There has been no change to status of the wreck.
• The weather is good, with relatively calm seas.
• Some plywood sheeting has landed on Waihi beach and teams have been dispatched to remove this.
• Divers continue to assess the state of the vessel. Dive conditions remain difficult and subject to change as sea conditions alter.

Oil spill response

• Some oil – mostly light sheens – observed around Rena.
• Old and fresh oil has been spotted on Rabbit Island – a clean-up team has been dispatched.
• Clean-up is continuing at Mount Maunganui, Matakana and Leisure Island.
• A team is working at Matakana yesterday and today, and 10 at Waihi.
• The boom in Maketu Estuary is to be removed, while the boom at the entrance to the estuary will remain in place.

Wildlife

• There are 28 birds in care at Massey, 25 of them little blue penguins.
• Birds are brought back progressively for release as oiled birds are taken to Massey for treatment.