Rena update (update 41)

22 October 2011: 7.00am

Fuel pumping on board the vessel Rena continued overnight and weather conditions look good for operations today, Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) says.

The salvage team confirmed yesterday afternoon that a total of 171 tonnes of the 772 tonnes in the port number 5 tank on Rena had been transferred to the tanker Awanuia. This figure will be updated this afternoon.

MNZ Salvage Unit Manager Bruce Anderson said despite concerns weather might force the operation to stop overnight, the conditions had remained safe for salvors to remain on the vessel and they had maintained a continuous flow of fuel pumping through the night.

“The flow is still slow but at least we are seeing a continuous pumping operation – this was the first priority for the team and that has been maintained. The focus for today will be to get more salvors on board and work on speeding up the flow rate.

Mr Anderson said the forecast was for good weather over the long weekend.

National On Scene Commander Alex van Wijngaarden said there had been no significant leaks of fresh oil from the ship since 11 October.

“This means the oil we are seeing on the coastline is remobilised – or oil that has washed out and back again with the tide.

“The oil spill response team is continuing to monitor and map the progress of this oil, while clean-up teams are out on the beaches cleaning and re-cleaning.”

Captain van Wijngaarden said oiled debris was coming ashore at natural collection points in the eastern Bay of Plenty and this was also a focus area for clean-up crews.

Wildlife teams were also in the field out on the East Cape. A total of 285 live birds are being cared for at the Wildlife Response Centre in Te Maunga.

Long term enclosures are being built for the little blue penguins at the centre – these will eventually house clean birds until it is safe to release them back into the wild.

The Mount Maunganui beach from the base track through to Tay Street is now open for public access.

However, Capt van Wijnngaarden reminded the public to use caution when they headed to the beach.

“While the beach has been cleaned and re-cleaned, there is still residual oil in the environment and the water. Please use caution and follow advice from public health authorities.”

Further public health information is available at http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/rena_public.

Members of the public should ring 0800 OIL SPILL if they find any oiled areas.