Shipwreck 'Rena' Salvage Teams Check Effects of Storm

Salvors, Svitzer, inspect 'Rena' on Tauranga Reef after storm passed by, reports NZ Maritime Authority

National On Scene Commander Rob Service said it was impossible to calculate exactly how much oil leaked during the recent heavy weather event, however, it was only a very small amount. While some of this oil appears to have reached the shoreline, it is unlikely to have a significant impact. The oil spill response team will closely monitor the situation over the weekend and remains ready to mount whatever response is necessary.

• A full team of 16 Svitzer salvors are on board Rena, examining the damage resulting from the recent heavy weather event. It is likely to take some time to make this assessment.
• Initial assessments confirm no further significant change in the state of the wreck.
• There is currently a 2-3m swell around the Astrolabe Reef. These conditions mean it is impossible for the salvors to access the holds to assess how many containers were lost overboard on Wednesday night. They will do this as soon as conditions allow.
• Conditions are forecast to continue easing and remain calm over the weekend.
• Smit Borneo is due to depart the port  to resume its position at Rena.
• The amount of oil remaining on the wreck is estimated to be in the order of tens of tonnes. This oil is located in a number of different pockets throughout the wreck. Salvors will continue to strip oil from the wreck when they are able to access these pockets.
• A total of 649 containers are now accounted for onshore. This comprises 575 containers removed from Rena by Svitzer salvors and 74 containers recovered from the sea and shoreline by Braemar Howells container recovery teams.