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MARINE

Rena update (update 35)

Thursday 20 October 2011, 3:30PM

By Maritime New Zealand

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One of the more than 80 containers swept off the container ship Rena has come ashore on Motiti Island in the Bay of Plenty.
One of the more than 80 containers swept off the container ship Rena has come ashore on Motiti Island in the Bay of Plenty. Credit: Maritime New Zealand
Salvor Drew Shannon (left) shows Transport Minister Steven Joyce (right) the range of pumps, compressors and other gear assembled in Tauranga for the oil recovery and salvage.
Salvor Drew Shannon (left) shows Transport Minister Steven Joyce (right) the range of pumps, compressors and other gear assembled in Tauranga for the oil recovery and salvage. Credit: Maritime New Zealand
The Air Force observes developments and following the trail of oil, containers and debris coming from the ship and containers.
The Air Force observes developments and following the trail of oil, containers and debris coming from the ship and containers. Credit: Maritime New Zealand

TAURANGA

20 October 2011: 7.40am

There has been no reported change in the Rena's situation overnight, and salvors plan to board the vessel today to resume pumping operations.

Weather in the area currently consists of 2-3m swells and winds of 10 knots.

A team of three salvors plan to re-board the vessel this morning to carry out a general safety assessment, before more salvors can come on board and begin reconnecting oil transfer equipment.

With poor weather yesterday preventing salvors from pumping oil off the vessel, teams spent the day preparing equipment, including generators, pumps and additional work platforms, in anticipation of being able to resume work today.

An observation flight will also take place around 7.30am to assess the vessel’s condition.

National On Scene Commander Captain Ian Niblock says there have been no reports of fresh oil coming ashore overnight, but that teams of responders are well prepared and ready to go should more land.

“However, more container debris is expected to come ashore over the coming days, and anyone finding this material is asked to please report it to Maritime New Zealand on 0800 645 774 (0800 OIL SPILL). It is important that trained salvage experts recover this material. It is also important that people report dead or oiled wildlife (birds, mammals and fish) to the Oiled Wildlife Response Team on 0800 333 771.”

Capt. Niblock says forward planning will also continue today, with the Incident Command Centre continuing to extend its area of operations to cover the East Cape.

Ed’s note: the daily 10am press briefing outside the ICC will go ahead as planned.