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Day: October 10, 2011

Rena Crew Evacuated, More Oil Released

Rena Crew Evacuated, More Oil Released

Authorities have evacuated all the remaining crew on the Rena as weather conditions deteriorates.   Four meter swells and 25 knot winds made conditions too dangerous for the crew to stay aboard.  Officials have also revised reports on the amount of oil that has been released.   Early estimates had 30 to 100 tons of oil being released due to a storage tank bursting.   New estimates place the amount of oil released closer to 350 tons.   Also, the rate of oil being released has increased.   The increase could have been caused by the vessel shifting on the reef or by the heavy swells causing more damage to the hull.

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Henry Brusco and St. Elias

Henry Brusco and St. Elias

The tug Henry Brusco with the 322 foot long barge St. Elias went aground between Center Island and Anacortes in the San Juan Islands, Washington.  The St. Elias was carrying cargo including 9,000 pounds of Navy munitions.  The Henry Brusco was refloated later the same day while the St. Elias was pulled free and taken to a nearby cove.   An inspection showed the barge suffered a 10 foot by 10 foot gash in the starboard hull, but the barge had no water ingress.  The Coast Guard approved the St. Elias to continue its voyage to Indian Island.   The St. Elias was escorted by three tugs and the Coast Guard Cutter Swordfish.   No reports of injuries or pollution being released.

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Awanuia damaged

Awanuia damaged

The 80 meter long tanker Awanuia suffered damage during pumping operations with the aground container ship Rena off Tauranga, New Zealand.   The Awanuia suffered minor damage to its foc’sle and returned to Tauranga for repairs.  No reports of injuries or any pollution being released.  Authorities have stated the pumping operations were being halted anyways due to the approaching bad weather.

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