DATE: 8 January 2012
Rena update #147
Severe weather overnight has separated the MV Rena into two pieces, which are now about 20-30m apart on the Astrolabe Reef, Maritime New Zealand says.
Both sections of the vessel still remain on the reef, with the forward section remaining firmly wedged, while the aft
section has separated and moved clockwise (or to starboard) about 13 degrees, after the ship was hit by seas of over 7m
overnight, further worsening the damage it sustained following its grounding on the reef just over three months ago. The
current bad weather is forecast to slowly ease over next 3 – 4 days.
MNZ Salvage Unit Manager David Billington said the fresh damage to the ship had resulted in the loss of a large number
of containers and debris.
“While the two sections of the Rena currently remain on the reef, there’s no question the ship is badly damaged with the severe movement breaking off many
of the hatch covers and releasing containers from the holds. Salvors are now working to assess the state of the vessel
so that naval architects can undertake further calculations get gain a clearer picture of its ongoing stability.”
Mr Billington said the vessel Go Canopus was currently connected to the aft section of the Rena and was continuing to monitor its status.
At least 23 containers had been confirmed as being lost from the ship, which were floating or partly submerged, with
another 7 (unconfirmed) thought to be in the water. However, Mr Billington said more were likely to be lost. There was
also a large debris trail, including wood, around the vessel.
Container recovery company Bramear Howells had tugs en route to tag containers with buoys as it was currently too rough
to tow or safely recover them, while vessels with trawl nets would also be sent out to collect debris once weather
conditions improved.
Navigational warnings had also been issued to shipping, with the port company communicating with individual ships via
port radio and warnings issued to recreational vessels via Coastguard radio. Shipping lanes were also being monitored
for containers and debris. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council Harbour Master is considering extending the 3nm exclusion
zone due to the large debris field from Rena.
National On Scene Commander Alex van Wijngaarden said the National Response Team had been mobilised, which included
trained oil spill response and wildlife experts, who were preparing for the likelihood of more oil coming ashore.
“While reports at this stage indicate there has not been a significant release of oil, with the Rena in its current fragile state, a further release is likely. While it is unknown at this stage exactly how much oil may
be released, teams have been mobilised and will be ready to respond to anything that may come ashore. The wildlife
response had also been increased to help deal with any affected wildlife.
“At this stage, preliminary trajectory modelling predicts that any oil released will come ashore around midnight
tonight, landing on beaches south east of Mt Maunganui – however, this could change at any time depending on the weather
and wind conditions. We also remind people that there may be large amounts of debris or containers that could come
ashore so they need to exercise common sense and please keep clear. Instead, if people do see any oil or container
debris, please report it to us via the 0800 OIL SPILL number (0800 645 774).”
Ed’s note: Photos are available on the BOPRC website www.boprc.govt.nz with video footage available via normal pool arrangements at TVNZ from 1.30pm.
ends