Aft Section Rena Submerged

The stern section of the MV Rena has remained perched on the edge of the Astrolabe Reef, New Zealand, since 10am on 10th January 2012, with about 75% submerged, including the bridge. 

 

The condition of the stern section of the Rena began to change significantly from about 8.30am. The anchor tug Go Canopus began an attempt to reposition the stern section on the reef to make it easier for the container recovery barge Smit Borneo to move closer to the Rena once container operations resumed. This proved impossible due to the weight of the ship and the water entering the vessel.

 

A helicopter with salvors landed on the bow section of the Rena at 9.20am to monitor the condition of the stern, which progressively sank between 9.30am and 10am. The stern section has been stable since 10am, with about 75% underwater, including the bridge.

 

A small amount of oil and debris, and two containers were discharged from the stern section as it submerged. One sank and the other floated. It has since been taken in tow by a tug. There are eleven other pieces of containers adrift. Salvage company Braemar Howells has deployed 13 vessels, ranging from tugs and barges to a fast response vessel, from the Waihi Beach area south to Motiti. A total of 49 containers was identified, either floating or beached, since the Rena split at the weekend. Of those, around 25 are beached. 13 containers are confirmed ashore at Waihi Beach, of which 4 have already been removed, 1 was destroyed in rough seas and 8 remain.

 

The containers which have beached are known to contain timber, paper, plastics and milk powder.. None contain hazardous goods. BH has activated 11 hubs along the coast, to coordinate the collection of debris.

 

On Tuesday 10^th January 2012, over 140 people were involved with removing debris along the coast and on Matakana. Wherever possible, containers and debris will be recovered on the water.

Paul van't Hof, Svitzer Salvage master reported that until the swells subside, it is not possible to assess the condition of the submerged stern section or carry out underwater surveys and plan further salvage operations. The Smit Borneo is still available if it proves possible to resume container operations.

 

Sensors on the bow section of the Rena show that it is still stable.