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Month: October 2011

Aratere Disabled

Aratere Disabled

The 180 meter long, 3977 dwt passenger ship Aratere became disabled off Wellington, New Zealand after the vessel suffered engine failure.   The Aratere had a problem with its port shaft and requested tugs to tow the vessel into port.  The Aratere was heading to Wellington from Picton with a cargo of freight.   No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.   Reports state the vessel should be able to make repairs and return to service later the same day.

Video of the Aratere under tow

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Rena Update

Rena Update

Oil Slick

Photo: Sunlive.co.nz

Pollution Update

Heavy fuel oil has leaked from the container ship Rena and an oil slick stretches some 1500 to 2000 meters from the vessel.  Attempts to use oil dispersants have failed to breakup the oil slick.   Authorities are preparing  equipment to scoop-up the oil from the water surface.  Other equipment will arrive to prepare for a potential shoreline cleanup.   The amount of oil released is not known, but divers confirmed that fuel tanks were still intact with the majority of the 1700 cubic meters of fuel oil was still held within them.  Reports state several dead birds have been found near the site coated in oil.  A 1 kilometer exclusion zone has been place around the site.

Video of the oil slick

Salvage Company Selected

The salvage company Svitzer has been chosen to begin salvage operations on the Rena.   Svitzer, based in Denmark, have not disclosed when they will begin operations.   More information can be found on their website: http://www.svitzer.com/

 

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Noah Aground

Noah Aground

Noah formerly the River Carrier

The 58 meter long, 1400 dwt freighter Noah went aground off Løperen, Østfold, Norway.   The Noah was proceeding to Frederikstadt from Klaipeda with a cargo of steel when it struck the rocks.   The crew emptied the ballast tanks and the vessel refloated later under it’s own power.   The vessel continued on to Frederikstadt.    None of the five crew on board were injured and no leaks reported.  Authorities have stated that alcohol was not involved in the incident.

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