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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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Containers in the water, Captain in Jail

Containers in the water, Captain in Jail

Containers

Latest report states 70 containers have fallen off the Rena and have sank,  floating in the sea or have drifted ashore.  No reports to which specific containers and what cargo was inside has been released.  Authorities have issued navigational warnings and expect more containers to break free as the Rena continues to list heavily to starboard.

Jail Time

The Master of the vessel Rena has been arrested and charged by Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) under section 65 of the Maritime Transport Act (MTA) 1994, “for operating a vessel in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk”.

He will appear in the Tauranga District Court this morning (Wednesday 12 October).

One s65 MTA charge has been laid, but it is likely more charges may follow.

The s65 charge carries a maximum penalty of $10,000, or a maximum term of imprisonment of 12 months.

Video news report

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Rena Listing Again

Rena Listing Again

More Oil

Authorities state that the additional 200 to 300 tons of oil being release may come from the duct keel or from a tank in the aft section of the vessel.

Listing to Starboard

The latest report from Maritime New Zealand states the container ship Rena has listed over 18 degrees to starboard.    The Rena had had been listing around 11 degrees to port when it was nearly level after several rocks under the vessel gave way.  If the list to starboard increases, there is high chance that deck cargo of containers will fall into the sea.  There are 1368 containers on board the Rena with several containing hazardous materials.   Four containers contain ferrosilicon which reacts with water releasing hydrogen gas.   Another concern is that the vessel will decrease its metacentric height and be at a greater risk of capsizing or breaking up.

Students ask for more action by NZ Gov.
Photo: Bay of Plenty Times

Oil Recovery

Authorities report that 3,500 tons of oily water has been recovered by two water recovery vessels and offloaded at Tauranga.   No additional oil has been transferred off the Rena to the Awanuia.

Forecast

Heavy swells up to 5 meters and winds gusting up to 30 knots should continue with conditions easing over the next few days with waves down to 2 meters and 15 knot winds.

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