Maritime New Zealand has reported damage to the forward section bulkhead between No 2 and No 3 hold. It was evident that the bulkhead on the port side had failed and was open to the sea. The damage was not unexpected given the gradual deterioration of the wreck and its exposure to the elements.
Svitzer continues to land salvage teams on the forward section of Rena by helicopter. The teams are making good progress cutting up the hatch lids in preparation for removal by the heavy lift helicopter. The company uses the cargo helicopter to lift 24 of these sections off onto the vessel Pohonui. No work is currently being undertaken on the submerged aft section of the wreck. Last week, the salvage team recovered Rena’s port anchor and secured it. They also removed a section of the anchor chain in order to allow the chain to be used as a future mooring point for the Smit Borneo. The Smit Borneo is currently still berthed in Tauranga.
Container Update
683 containers have been removed from Rena and the shore and water. About 240 containers are estimated to remain below decks on the forward section of Rena. Over 170 containers have now been processed at Truman Lane.
Debris Recovery
The Braemar recovery team and helpers are continuing to focus their efforts on the Coromandel – where about 60 tonnes of assorted debris has already been recovered. Braemar Operations Manager Neil Lloyd says the team is now collecting debris at strategic locations to get the most effective results from planned heli-lifts of debris for disposal. This waste includes bundles of timber and one tonne bags filled with debris ranging from pieces of wood to packets of noodles and plastic beads. Meanwhile, a number vessels ranging from small tugs to barges are continuing to operate at sea where further debris is being collected.
Spill Response
A light oil sheen of approximately 1 km in length drifting in a south east direction from the aft section was observed during an overflight. The sheen had dispersed about 1.5 km from the wreck site. Once Braemar have completed debris recovery work at Matapaua Bay, MNZ responders will conduct another survey of the area, most likely early next week, to determine whether any cleanup of oil or oily waste may be required. If there is any oil left behind that requires clean up, MNZ responders will undertake this work. Picture taken 12 April, Maritime New Zealand. Visit https://www.swzonline.nl/fotoverslag/57[the Rena photo album] for more pictures of the salvage work and the deteriorating condition of the wreck.
