New Zealand: Barge Smith Borneo Recommences Salvage Operations on Rena

Following recent deterioration of the front and rear sections of the wreck due to heavy weather Maritime New Zealand is continuing to closely monitor the condition of the Rena. The crane barge Smith Borneo is secured on the starboard side of the Rena wreck and waiting to recommence salvage operations, while the divers assist with the recovery of debris from the seabed.

Salvage

Salvors are continuing to assess the damage caused to the wreck by Wednesday’s heavy weather. Two hatch lids were removed from the seabed near the stern section of Rena and transported to the port.

It has been reported that eight containers were washed overboard. One floating container was located by Braemar Howells at sea, however it sunk in 20 metres of water and was later recovered. The other seven are presumed to have sunk. Sonar works are in progress and hopefully will be able to locate lost containers.

The number of processed containers has not changed since Friday; in total 649 containers were recovered on shore, 575 of those were removed from Rena by salvors and 74 containers recovered from the sea or shoreline by Braemar Howells.

Containers

Braemar Howells container and debris recovery teams have recovered small amounts of debris from Tuapiro Point near Katikati, and from Waihi Beach over the weekend. Braemar also removed about two trailor-loads of plywood and fibreboards from Onemana Bay north of Whangamata.

Vessels were sent to recover debris from Motiti Island, the clean-up is expected to be completed over the next two days.

The work for the next week includes a costal flight survey to continue monitoring for possible debris, timber recovery from Orokawa Bay and a survey of an area close to shore at the northern end of Motiti Island where debris has been found.

Vessels were set out to recover debris off Motiti Island and follow the debris trail collecting it. Motiti Island’s east coast was cleaned and the remainder of the coastline is due to be completed today.

Oil spill response

After the storm last week there were many reports of small amounts of oil from Mount Maunganui down to Maketu Spit. These reports were investigated and clean up operations were held from Thursday until yesterday (Sunday).

After a number of surveys no oil was detected at Pukehina or inside Maketu Estuary, or Little Wahi Estuary.

There have been no further reports of oil since last Friday.

Starting from today surveys will be undertaken from the Mount down to Maketu and in the sorrounding areas.

[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, March 26, 2012; Image: Maritime NZ