Salvors confirmed that they detected a light sheen of oil coming from the vessel, reported to be 150m long and 20m wide.
When Rena run around seven weeks ago, the Maritime New Zealand received information from the charterer Mediterranean Shipping Company that there were another 21 containers on the ship with hazardous chemicals. Latest analysis has shown that the number of containers, which posed a risk to the environment and people’s health, is up to 32.
The content of these 21 containers is known as cryolite and it is described by MNZ as a by-product of the aluminum smelting process. Cryolite is only slightly soluble in water and it could affect people’s health only if it is ingested or inhaled directly.
MZN stated that the presence of the dangerous material is disturbing explaining the cautious approach undertaken by salvors.
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World Maritime News Staff, November 25 , 2011; Image: Maritime NZ