Rena Loses Oil Again

The grounded and partly submerged Rena keeps the responders active. After breaking earlier this week, she is releasing oil. A sheen between 10-60m wide, was observed stretching about 4km north east ofRena. The sheen was seen drifting down the eastern side of Môtîtî Island but observers noted it did not appear to be reaching the island. Current trajectory modelling predicted the oil was likely to reach Pukehina Beach, and east of there, overnight. 

 

There have been unconfirmed reports of a small amount of oil stranding at Pukehina. A shoreline clean-up assessment team has been sent down to follow up on those reports and response teams are ready to clean any oil they may find.

 

Oil spill response teams are ready to respond to any reports of oil coming ashore today. Booms have been put in place to protect sensitive areas in Maketu, Little Waihi and Waitahanui.

 

Oil spill response teams are also working at Mount Maunganui, Leisure Island and Matakana Island.

An overflight this morning has confirmed no significant change to the state of the wreck.

 

Sea swells are currently 2m, with a maximum wave height of 4m. This is forecast to ease to 1.5m.

 

Image courtesy: LOC