Subscribe to RSSHalf Rena’s Overboard Containers Empty
It’s been revealed that half the 88 containers from the Rena that are overboard are empty.
Officials say the containers in the water are being monitored by observation flights and patrol vessels. The shipping lanes to the port remain clear. Navigation warnings and a marine exclusion zone remain in place.
An observation flight this morning confirmed there has been no fresh release of oil today. Maritime NZ says reparation for a fuel recovery operation is making good progress.
It’s believed there’s still 1,346 tonnes of oil on board the vessel – 770 tonnes in the port 5 tank, 356 tonnes in the starboard 5 tank and 220 tonnes in the settling tanks. The vessel had 1,673 tonnes to begin with.
The oil is now cold, and dense and like marmite in consistency. An Archimedes screw pump will be used to extract the fuel from the tanks.
Private Clayton Mills & Lance Corporal Daniel Moyle rake oil from Papamoa
70% of Papamoa Beach has been cleaned following the large deposit of oil two days ago but Martiime NZ says further oil is likely to come ashore on Papamoa Beach at the next high tide.
No new oiled birds have been brought into the wildlife facility today- there’s 110 oiled birds at the facility being cared for. he total number of dead birds has now reached just under 1,000.
There are now 29 rare dotterels in captivity at the centre – they have been caught to protect them from the oil. There are only 100 dotterels known to be in the Bay of Plenty region.
After days of frustration by locals at perceived lack of activity, Maritime NZ says “pre-emptive work” is continuing to protect beaches from Whakatane to Whangaparaoa. Training and equipment is being put in place to respond to any oil coming ashore over the next few days.
Beach access remains restricted from Mt Maunganui to Maketu, including Maketu Estuary. This restriction will remain in place all weekend and be reassessed on Monday.
Tauranga City Council has closed the Sulphur Point, Pilot Bay, Fergusson Park and Whareroa boat ramps to contain the spread of oil. Other boat ramps may be closed as required. More than 4,300 people have registered to volunteer.
0 Comments
You can be the first one to leave a comment.