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Tag: Motiti Island

Hope Fades For The Rena

Hope Fades For The Rena

The Rena appears to have suffered structual damage and most likely will break-in-two unless salvors can make immediate repairs.  The Rena developed a massive crack along its midsection of the hull after strong winds and 5 meter swells battered against the container ship.  Seventy or more containers have broken free and have now begun to wash ashore.  One container has been spotted spewing a trail of toxic blue and smoke.   Many more containers on the vessel are damaged making the situation more dangerous for the salvage crew.   Reports also state that even greater amounts of oil has started to come ashore along the shorelines around Tauranga, Motiti Island and the surrounding area. 

Raw Video footage from tvnz.co.nz

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Aground near the Rena

Aground near the Rena

The 45 foot launch Excalibur went aground on some rocks near the shore of Motiti Island, New Zealand.   The vessel is stuck on rocks in two meters of water.  The Coast Guard at Tauranga responded and safely rescued six people off the Excalibur.  No reports of injuries.

 

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Rena Aground

Rena Aground

The 236 meter long, 47230 dwt container ship Rena went aground on the Astrolabe Reef north of Motiti Island near the Tauranga Harbor, New Zealand.   The freighter has suffered significant damage with two cargo holds flooded and the vessel has developed a 12 degree list.  Pumps are in use to keep the water out of the holds.  None of the 25 crew on board were injured.  The heavy fuel oil tanks were undamaged, but the fuel is being transferred from the port to starboard side as a preventive measure.   Some hydraulic oil has been released.   Authorities have deployed a team of trained pollution control responders to the scene.

Link to a video of the grounding

Another video of the grounding

Update 1

Reports state the Rena had been detained in port recently.  In August, the Rena was in Freemantle, Australia and was detained because of defective hatchway covers and improper cargo storage.

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