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.
The Rena has released more oil and has formed an oil slick some 12 kilometers long and 500 meters wide. At least 100 tons of oil was released came from a ruptured tank and it is possible more oil will be released in the following days. Oil booms and other equipment have yet to be deployed around the Rena. Skimmers and other equipment are designed to operate in calm seas only. Unfortunately, the fair weather is not expected to last. Latest forecasts predict 25-knot winds with one meter swells in the next few days. Reports state that residents should expect to see some oil to come ashore.
Photo: A diver resurfaces from inspecting the Rena. (stuff.co.nz)
A news release states lightering operations will begin on October 10 with the focus of removing the heavy oil and diesel fuel from the Rena first. A naval architect is expected on scene and to evaluate if any other cargo will need to be lightered off the vessel before salvage can begin. The tugboat Waka Kume out of Auckland has been charted to assist in the salvage operation. The tug is expected to be on scene by the next day.
