August 16, 2012 - Shipwreck Log

Ten months have past since the container ship Rena went aground on Astrolabe Reef. The bow section still remains above the surface, but has increased its list from 22 degrees to 32 degrees. Salvors are still working on removing the wreck of the reef. Helicopters are lifting 1 to 2 ton cut pieces of the hull to a nearby salvage vessel. This removal is slated to take some 100 days to complete. The stern section remains below the surface between 10 to 80 meters deep. No decision has been made to the final outcome of the stern section.

Pollution

Focus has been on shoreline clean-up work of plastic particulates. The plastic has been washing up along 38 beaches around Tauranga. The pollution is spread over a wide area. Containers are also being removed from the seabed. By August 2012, some 977 out of 1368 containers have been recovered. Many containers are being recovered using ROVs (Remote Operated Vehicles) from depths up to 50 meters deep.

Wisdom

August 16, 2012 Paul Hancock

The 169 meter long, 27350 dwt tanker Wisdom became disabled near Belle Mare, Mauritus. The Wisdom had suffered engine damage and attempts to make repairs by the crew failed. Authorities dispatched a tug to the scene and take the tanker under tow to the safety of Port Louis. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Wisdom was en route to Port Klang from Durban.

Ocean Breeze

August 16, 2012 Paul Hancock

The 138 meter long, 52289 dwt bulk freighter Ocean Breeze went aground near San Antonio, Chile. The vessel had been at anchor near the port when stormy weather struck the area. The Ocean Breeze’s anchor began to drag until the bulk carrier went hard aground on a sandbank close to shore. Tugs had attempted to pull the vessel into deeper water, but the heavy swells pushed the vessel until it was 300 yards off shore. The Chilean Navy dispatched a helicopter to the scene and were able to safely rescue all 24 crew members on board. Reports state there is a significant risk that the vessel will sustain damage and possible pollution being released as the Ocean Breeze is battered by the heavy seas over the next few days. No salvage attempts will be made until the weather conditions improve. The Ocean Breeze was en route to San Antonio from Arica with a cargo of wheat and soy beans.