Rena update (#210)

3 April 2012 - 5.30pm

Further to this afternoon's update, the oil spill response team has confirmed a small amount of oil is leaking from the wreck.

It is impossible to confirm how much this is, however, the total amount of oil left on Rena is in the tens of tonnes, located in a number of pockets around the wreck. It is very unlikely all of this would be released in one event.

Trajectory modelling shows that if this small amount of oil does reach the shoreline, it could reach the Coromandel overnight. This would be expected to take the form of areas with a very light sprinkling of oil on shorelines between Whiritoa and Whitianga.

It is important to note that the amount of oil released from the wreck is only a tiny percentage of the oil we saw released in the big spill in October. It is unlikely to have a significant impact – however, it is important people are aware there could be some oil on their beaches over the next few days.

If members of the public do get oil on their skin, it should be washed off with soap and water. Baby oil or olive oil is also useful for removing it.

Working as part of the Rena response team, personnel from the Waikato Regional Council have been mobilised and they will check the potentially affected shorelines tomorrow to assess whether any oil has come ashore, and mount whatever response is required.

It is unlikely the level of oil we expect to see will have any impact on wildlife. However, the Massey wildlife team is ready to deal with any affected wildlife if needed.

Members of the public are encouraged to call the 0800 OIL SPILL (0800 645 774) hotline to report any sightings of oil.