MEDIACOM-RELEASE-MSA
National Oil Spill Response Launched At Chatham Islands
A national oil spill response coordinated by the Maritime Safety Authority has been launched in the Chatham Islands,
following the sinking this morning of the vessel Seafresh One.
The MSA is concerned that the vessel is carrying 102 tonnes of auto diesel, and about 10 tonnes of various hydraulic and
lubricating oils, and that this might leak from tanks onboard. At this point only a small slick has been observed
Chatham Islands Council staff and local fishermen who have spent the last week on an oil spill response training course
are responding with equipment to contain the spill. Department of Conservation staff are evacuating birds from the area.
The 41 metre fishing vessel had been sheltering in Hanson Bay on the eastern side of the Chathams where it was towed
after catching fire last Friday (10 March). All crew had left the vessel by mid week, and it was waiting to be towed to
Wellington.
ENDS....