New Zealand: Salvage Teams Focus on Wood Removal from Rena

Svitzer salvage teams yesterday focused on the labour-intensive task of emptying containers of wood on the bow section of the Rena, and preparing the bundles of timber for removal by helicopter.

Salvors also worked on securing hatch covers on the bow section which had been observed moving with the swell late last week. This work is ongoing.

No dive operations were undertaken yesterday due to the swell, but it is hoped divers will be able to resume inspecting the stern section today.

Wind and swell conditions are forecast to ease today and remain good until Friday.

Work will continue today on removing the timber and securing hatch covers. Salvors also expect to begin installing scaffolding to assist with the removal of the content of the remaining refrigerated containers on the deck of the bow section.

Container and debris recovery operation

Braemar Howells teams have received 479 containers removed from Rena by salvors and a further 70 recovered from the sea and beaches, making a total of 549 now ashore.

Heli-lifting of debris from Matakana Island will take place tomorrow and Friday.

A survey of the Motiti Island beach line will be conducted over the next two days in preparation for more clean-up operations

Oil spill response

Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Teams are doing surveys on Motiti Island and areas towards the East Cape today, checking for areas that have been previously affected by oil or following up on reports from the public.

Yesterday, the teams identified some areas affected by oil that may require further clean-up work – these have been logged and will be followed up by clean-up teams once the surveys are complete.

A total of 50 oil spill responders are working on clean-up operations in the field today – 26 on Matakana Island, 16 on Mount Maunganui, 16 on Leisure Island and 8 on Rabbit Island.

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World Maritime News Staff, February 9, 2012; Image: