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Month: October 2011

Rena Listing Again

Rena Listing Again

More Oil

Authorities state that the additional 200 to 300 tons of oil being release may come from the duct keel or from a tank in the aft section of the vessel.

Listing to Starboard

The latest report from Maritime New Zealand states the container ship Rena has listed over 18 degrees to starboard.    The Rena had had been listing around 11 degrees to port when it was nearly level after several rocks under the vessel gave way.  If the list to starboard increases, there is high chance that deck cargo of containers will fall into the sea.  There are 1368 containers on board the Rena with several containing hazardous materials.   Four containers contain ferrosilicon which reacts with water releasing hydrogen gas.   Another concern is that the vessel will decrease its metacentric height and be at a greater risk of capsizing or breaking up.

Students ask for more action by NZ Gov.
Photo: Bay of Plenty Times

Oil Recovery

Authorities report that 3,500 tons of oily water has been recovered by two water recovery vessels and offloaded at Tauranga.   No additional oil has been transferred off the Rena to the Awanuia.

Forecast

Heavy swells up to 5 meters and winds gusting up to 30 knots should continue with conditions easing over the next few days with waves down to 2 meters and 15 knot winds.

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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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