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Rena Update

Rena Update

Weather

Conditions are expected to worsen with swells increasing up to 2.5 meters and winds from 25 to 35 knots for the next few days.

Salvage

Salvage teams continue to pump oil off the container ship Rena.  Latest report states that the crew were able to pump some 70 tons of oil off the vessel.  The focus has been on the accessible port tank.  Additional equipment including steam units may make the process go faster.  The oil in the tank has cooled and is more like a paste than liquid.  The steam units will help heat the oil and make it easier to pump.

Statement from Svitzer Salvage team leader Captain Drew Shannon:.

“It’s a difficult and challenging operation. Our team is taking their time to remove the oil safely to minimise further risk to the environment.  We are also working feverishly in the background with planning and logistics on the removal of containers. Our priority however remains the removal of the oil from the Rena.  We’re continuing steadily with the transfer of oil. We had to first prove the system and now are working to improve that and speed up the removal process.”

Oil Cleanup

Clean up crews along the beach have gathered some 53 tons of solid waste making the total of 744 tons collected so far.

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Rena Update

Rena Update

The Rena has moved further on to the Astrolabe reef which has stabilized the vessel and may allow salvage teams time to pump off the remaining oil and diesel fuel on board.   The Rena now is listing at 22 degrees to starboard with its starboard railing at or below the waterline.   Oil recovery may begin the next day as salvage crews begin to setup equipment.  Reports state the team will attempt to empty the largest oil tank of 700 tons then move on to the smaller 350 to 400 ton tank.  Some 55 out of the 88 containers have been located or ashore.   Authorities state that the containers will be collected on Motiti Island.

View Latest Aerial Video of the Rena

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Owner Sorry, Crew Quits

Owner Sorry, Crew Quits

Owners Statement


11 Crew Quit

Eleven of the Rena crew have quit and have boarded flights back to the Philippines.   This leaves only 6 crewmen behind including the Captain and Second Mate who both have been charged in court.  A growing anger towards the crew has started an anti-Filipinos sentiment in the communities impacted by the oil spill.

Response and Cleanup

The total number of containers fallen into the sea is up to 88.  One containing alkyl sulfonic acid has fallen into the sea causing greater concern of the toxic substances on board the Rena.   The acid can have a long lasting impact to the environment as it slow to biodegrade.  Some 50 tons of solid wastes from the oil spill has been recovered.  Over 1500 volunteers are helping in the process.

Three tugs are positioned around the stern of the Rena if the ship begins to break up.   If the vessel’s stern stays afloat, the tugs could drag the portion of the vessel closer to port to allow more oil to be recovered.   If the vessel capsizes or sinks, there is little the tugs can do.

Rena at 20 Degrees

The Rena is now positioned some 20 degrees to starboard and is expected to breakup as the crack in the number three hold widens.  The remaining oil on Rena is located in the stern of the vessel in a watertight compartment.  There is some concern that this compartment would split open when the vessel breaks up.   Another concern is the vessel could capsize sending all the containers on deck into the sea.  With several containers containing toxic substances, this could pose another risk to the wildlife and environment.

 

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