Rena Salvage on Hold Due to Weather

Salvage operations remain on hold due to strong winds around the Rena, says Maritime New Zealand (MNZ). Salvors are continuing to monitor the condition of the vessel through electronic sensors on board but information gathered so far indicates there is no significant change or deterioration of the hull. National On Scene Commander Alex van Wijngaarden said beach cleaning work had continued today with larger numbers of responders ready on standby in case more oil comes ashore.  

Maritime New Zealand Salvage unit manager Arthur Jobard said that the vessel remains in a fragile condition, but is still stable. Salvors will remain on board the vessel Go Canopus overnight and will continue to monitor the Rena's status.

 

Container recovery company Braemar Howells remains ready to respond to any potential container loss from the Rena, with vessels and personnel on standby, Mr Jobard said.

 

Beach cleaning operations will continue on Friday 25^th November 2011 in a number of areas.

The National Oiled Wildlife Response Team continues to work on plans for the staged release of more wildlife that satisfy release criteria and as their habitats are cleaned.  A team is now scheduled to go out on Friday night to monitor penguins released to Rabbit Island earlier in the week.