 |
| The ocean washes in and out of the wide fracture on Rena's starboard side. 2o Oct 2011 |
The salvage team is continuing to pump
oil from the cargo vessel Rena today, making slow but steady progress, Salvage
Unit Manager Andrew Berry says.
 |
| Rena's bow is broken and twisted from the impact with the Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty. 20 Oct 11 |
“The volume of oil collected is taking
some time to measure, due to the large size of the tank on the Awanuia, which
is receiving the oil from Rena.
 |
| The line taking oil from Rena to the oil tanker Awanuia is supported by buoys between the two ships. 20 Oct 11 |
“The wind is blowing up to 30 knots at
times, which is causing difficulties for the operation. However, the team is
remaining on the ship for the time being.”
 |
| A fracture and buckling extends down Rena's hull on the port side. 20 Oct 11 |
National On Scene Commander Alex van
Wijngaarden said shoreline clean-up work was going well, with volunteer teams
today working at Harrison’s Cut at Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Maketu and Waihau
Bay.
Decontamination training was
successfully carried out in Waihau
Bay
“We have sent equipment to the eastern Bay of Plenty ,
with more than 500 units of personal protective equipment and decontamination
equipment sent to Waihau
Bay
 |
A fracture and buckling extends down
Rena's hull on the port side. 20 Oct 11
|
“We also have trained teams assessing
the shoreline to ensure we take a methodical and safe approach to the clean up.
What we’ve seen so far out in Waihau
Bay
Captain van Wijngaarden said a number
of goods and services had been donated to the Rena response.
 |
Rena’s remaining containers hang
precariously. More than 80 containers have fallen overboard. Many have come
ashore, and others are being located on the seabed. This picture was taken from
the stern starboard (right) side. 20 Oct 11
|
“We’re extremely appreciative of the
individuals and businesses that have shown their support to the response
effort.
“We are continuing to get amazing
support from the local community, in the form of volunteers, donations, and
general feedback. We really appreciate this – it is hugely encouraging to the
team to see everyone get behind the response.”
 |
| The degree of twisting along Rena's hull on the port (left side) can be seen in this picture. 19 Oct 11 |
The main Mount Maunganui
Beach
 |
| Calm conditions around Astrolabe Reef allowed these close up photos of the Rena’s stern to be taken. 20 Oct 11 |
Capt van Wijngaarden said he
appreciated people wanted other beaches open for the long weekend, but the risk
of contaminating clean areas with oil was too high.
Shoreline clean-up assessment teams
have confirmed that earlier reports of oiling at Whakatane Spit and Ohope Beach
 |
| Ornithologist David Melville with a rare and protected New Zealand dotterell, at risk from Rena's oil spill. 21 Oct 11 |
The Department of Conservation has
confirmed a pygmy sperm whale that beached at Ohope Beach
 |
| David Hurn, one of the many hundreds of volunteers involved in the clean up of beaches in the Bay of Plenty, concentrates on the rocks around Mount Maunganu. 20 Oct 11 |
There will be five volunteer events
taking place along the coastline tomorrow, and these will be coordinated
through local iwi, the Defence Force and the volunteer coordination group.
 |
| Tourists from Chile, Lorena Bravo and Sebastian Gabler pitch in at the wildlife centre to clean boots and other gear used in the oil clean up. 20 Oct 11 |
Get shipshape before you head out: 21
October 2011 11.00am
Labour Weekend is coming up - and
boaties everywhere will start heading for the water.
Now is the time for boat owners and
skippers to ensure their boats, gears – and skills – are up to scratch, says
Jim Lilley, Maritime New Zealand’s Acting Manager Recreational Boating.
“We’ve reviewed many tragic accidents
over the years, and we know that things can very suddenly go wrong when out on
the water, regardless of a skipper’s level of skill or experience. If you are
well prepared and make sensible choices, it can mean the difference between
life and death.”
Jim says recreational boating deaths
for 2011 stood at nine by 31 July. Major factors continue to be failing to wear
lifejackets, not checking the weather, not carrying reliable communications,
alcohol and speed.
“Each boating tragedy shows just how
important it is for all boaties to be prepared for the worst,” says Jim.
“Trouble can hit without warning. In an
emergency, finding your lifejacket and putting it on is sometimes impossible.
“To be safe, wear your lifejacket and
have a reliable way of calling for help at your fingertips, such as a marine
VHF radio or a distress beacon (PLB or EPIRB) clipped to you or to your
lifejacket. A cellphone is useful as a back-up – as long as it’s in a sealed
plastic bag.”
Jim says last year’s total of 14
recreational boating deaths was a significant improvement on 24 in 2009, but is
still 14 people too many.
“That is still 14 families that have
lost loved ones,” says Jim. “There are plenty of easy, commonsense things
boaties can do to prevent that. Check the marine weather forecast before you go
out; watch your speed and stay off the booze until you get home – it will all
help ensure you come home safe to your family.”
Jim says the other key area for boat
owners to focus on is ensuring their vessels are working properly before taking
to the water. “And make sure that any safety equipment – such as lifejackets or
PFDs (personal flotation devices) and communications equipment – is well
maintained and in good working order,” he says.
“If you’re taking the boat out for the
first time after winter, or using it frequently, regular checks are the only
way you will have trouble-free boating. Make sure your boat is well maintained
and equipped, and know how and when to use your equipment – it will all help
you stay safe.”
Source: Maritime New
Zealand
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