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Rena Update

Rena Update

Oil Slick

Photo: Sunlive.co.nz

Pollution Update

Heavy fuel oil has leaked from the container ship Rena and an oil slick stretches some 1500 to 2000 meters from the vessel.  Attempts to use oil dispersants have failed to breakup the oil slick.   Authorities are preparing  equipment to scoop-up the oil from the water surface.  Other equipment will arrive to prepare for a potential shoreline cleanup.   The amount of oil released is not known, but divers confirmed that fuel tanks were still intact with the majority of the 1700 cubic meters of fuel oil was still held within them.  Reports state several dead birds have been found near the site coated in oil.  A 1 kilometer exclusion zone has been place around the site.

Video of the oil slick

Salvage Company Selected

The salvage company Svitzer has been chosen to begin salvage operations on the Rena.   Svitzer, based in Denmark, have not disclosed when they will begin operations.   More information can be found on their website: http://www.svitzer.com/

 

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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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Tauranga

Tauranga

The 800 dwt vessel Tauranga went aground near the approach to Haugesund, Norway.   The rescue boat Bergen Kreds responded to the scene and sent divers to inspect the hull.   The Tauranga’s crew reported that they had to alter course to avoid collision with another vessel causing the vessel to go aground in the shallow water.  No reports of injuries or pollution being released.

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