Container Ship 'Rena' Wreck Update

Owners of  wrecked 'Rena' held accountable by Maritime New Zealand, bulkhead down, wreck disintegrating

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) has charged the owner of the cargo vessel Rena, following the ship's grounding on Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga on 5 October.

An over flight by MNZ noted damage to the forward section bulkhead between No 2 and No 3 hold. It was evident that the bulkhead on the port side had failed and was open to the sea. This is expected given the gradual deterioration of the wreck and its exposure to the elements.

Debris from Rena has washed ashore at Tairua, in the Coromandel.

MNZ and salvors report the aft section of the Rena has now sunk due to ongoing rough seas pounding the weakened structure.