Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) and salvors have reported the aft section of the Rena has now sunk due to ongoing rough seas pounding the weakened structure. This was confirmed during a second overflight of the vessel yesterday. In addition, MNZ has now charged the vessel owner.
The forward section of the vessel is holding on the reef, but has suffered further damage to its rear section. A wave of over 12m was recorded at the reef overnight, with winds of 27 knots (50km/h) and seas of 8-9m experienced today.
Debris Washed Ashore
The sinking has already resulted in debris washing ashore at Tairua, in the Coromandel and teams are working to clean it up. Though a light sheen of oil was also observed on the water, as yet no oil has come ashore. Response teams remain at the ready should this change. There have been no reports of any wildlife being affected.
Further Damage to Forward Section
There has been no further significant change to the wreck overnight, though salvors have observed further damage to the rear part of forward section and the breaking up of containers in the holds that are visible from the air .
Weather Continues to Hinder Salvage Operations
Strong winds and rough seas however continue to impact on on-water debris recovery operations. These will resume as soon as it is safe to do so. While weather conditions at the Astrolabe Reef are forecast to gradually ease, winds will remain strong and the sea is expected to remain rough for several days. MNZ and the salvors, Svitzer, will continue to monitor and assess the condition of the wreck, and will attempt to undertake a closer inspection of the wreck when conditions allow.
Masters to Take Extreme Care
Boat skippers and vessel masters are reminded to take extreme care, as the debris from the wreck poses a significant risk to shipping. A 2NM exclusion zone remains in place for the Astrolabe reef, and navigational warnings continue to remain in force.
MNZ Charges Owner
MNZ has charged the Rena’s owner, Greece-based Daina Shipping Co, under section 338 (1B) and 15(B) of the Resource Management Act 1991, which relates to the "discharge of harmful substances from ships" in the coastal marine area. The charge carries a maximum fine of $600,000 and $10,000 for every day the offending continues. As the registered owner, Daina Shipping Co has overall responsibility for the ship’s operation.
First Call on Same Date as Sentencing of Master and Second Officer
The charge has been laid in the Tauranga District Court and is expected to have its first call on 25 May. The prosecution follows the 29 February guilty pleas by the Master and Second Officer of Rena to charges laid by MNZ last year. The two men are scheduled to be sentenced in the Tauranga District Court on 25 May. No further charges will be laid by MNZ in relation to the grounding and will make no further comment while the matter is before the courts.
Do not forget to take a look at our photo album that offers an extensive overview of the incident and is updated regularly.
