Rena Wreck to Stay Put

The Rena wreck will remain on Astrolabe Reef in New Zealand.

The decision was made in New Zealand on Friday by commissioners retired Environment Court Judge Gordon Whiting, Cultural Commissioner Rauru Kirikiri, marine engineer John Lumsden and environmental scientist Shane Kelly.

The Rena grounded on the reef on October, 5, 2011, spilling more than 300 tonnes of oil into New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty. 

The commissioners heard 20 days of submissions last September after an application from the Rena's owners to leave the wreck on the reef. Rena owner Daina Shipping Company provided 23 technical reports and 151 submissions were heard in response.

The Rena salvage cost has exceeded $500 million and is the second most expensive in history, behind the Costa Concordia.

The Rena was carrying 1,650 tonnes of fuel oil and 1,368 containers, including 121 containers packed with perishable goods and 32 with dangerous goods, at the time of the grounding.

A Maori group from Motiti Island is urging the public to support a two-year extension of the fishing exclusion zone around the wreck. Te Atarangi Sayers of Nga Hapu o te Moutere o Motiti says marine life has flourished since fishing ban. Submissions on the fishing exclusion zone close on March 14.