Rena Update: Wreck Site May Be Dangerous for Divers, No New Oil Detected

Sunken container ship, Rena, may now be hazardous for examining divers due to water surges, torn steel, and other forms of debris. Divers are still assessing the situation and general condition of the ship’s stability on New Zealand’s Astrolabe reef.

Maritime New Zealand officials state that divers will not be entering the vessel’s holds until it is absolutely safe to do so. 52 containers have already been recovered by Braemar Howells from the water and Bay of Plenty beaches. 18 other containers have been located.

Clean-up operations focusing on debris collection around surrounding islands will take place throughout the week. Oil clean-up has also resumed this week. Any oil contaminations seen around the beaches is most likely old oil, as a 6-mile sheen was seen coming from the vessel upon initial breaking. The old oil has now been exposed due to sand erosion, according to MNZ officials. No new oil has been seen leaking into nearby estuaries, although a containment boom has been set as a precautionary measure.

Tauranga mayor, Stuart Crosbie, is welcoming a maritime safety investigation if anyone is up for the challenge. The question still stands as to how the Rena came to be wrecked on the reef. Calmer seas expected this week would give divers the opportunity to survey Rena and plan next steps in the salvage operation.

See prior coverage on this story here.