Officials warn grounded boxship Rena could break up
The 47,000 tonne ship Rena, which struck the Astrolabe reef off Tauranga last Wednesday, has been leaking oil into the sea. Up to 70 containers have fallen from the deck, as heavy seas continued to thwart salvage efforts.
Thick slicks of oil drifting from the ship have washed ashore on Tauranga beaches and oil has been seen on beaches in harbour suburbs.
The ship's captain appeared in court today, facing charges under Section 65 of the Maritime Act, covering dangerous activity involving ships or maritime products.
Key has said there was structural damage to the ship which everyone could see.
Maritime NZ confirmed there were cracks on both sides of the vessel and salvage advisor Jon Walker said an aerial flight showed a rupture on the port side of the ship was getting worse.
Salvage teams wanted to try and keep the Rena's stern on the reef, over fears it would sink in a break up. That would make the recovery of the oil difficult.
"We are hoping that it's still on the reef. If we can keep it on it we can deal with it," Walker said.
He added the gap in the starboard side of the vessel was opening and closing in the surf this morning.
"If there is a break up of the vessel, we are going to have oil coming out."
"Before we left the vessel we tried to blank all the tanks. ... We tried to retain the oil as much as we can in the vessel."
Taxpayers may have to cover costs if the Rena's insurance was unable to fully cover the disaster, Key said earlier.
Key defended the Government's reaction to the stranding. "I know everyone would love us to wave a magic wand but that's not possible."
Key said there was a national plan for such disasters and that it had been put into action the moment the boat hit the reef.
"I understand people are frustrated. I'm frustrated too.
"Unfortunately we have to deal with the cards dealt to us."
The boom across the Maketu estuary appeared to be effective but Key said: "we may well see more oil in the estuary".
Thick slicks of oil drifting from the ship have washed ashore on Tauranga beaches and oil has been seen on beaches in harbour suburbs.
The ship's captain appeared in court today, facing charges under Section 65 of the Maritime Act, covering dangerous activity involving ships or maritime products.
Key has said there was structural damage to the ship which everyone could see.
Maritime NZ confirmed there were cracks on both sides of the vessel and salvage advisor Jon Walker said an aerial flight showed a rupture on the port side of the ship was getting worse.
Salvage teams wanted to try and keep the Rena's stern on the reef, over fears it would sink in a break up. That would make the recovery of the oil difficult.
"We are hoping that it's still on the reef. If we can keep it on it we can deal with it," Walker said.
He added the gap in the starboard side of the vessel was opening and closing in the surf this morning.
"If there is a break up of the vessel, we are going to have oil coming out."
"Before we left the vessel we tried to blank all the tanks. ... We tried to retain the oil as much as we can in the vessel."
Taxpayers may have to cover costs if the Rena's insurance was unable to fully cover the disaster, Key said earlier.
Key defended the Government's reaction to the stranding. "I know everyone would love us to wave a magic wand but that's not possible."
Key said there was a national plan for such disasters and that it had been put into action the moment the boat hit the reef.
"I understand people are frustrated. I'm frustrated too.
"Unfortunately we have to deal with the cards dealt to us."
The boom across the Maketu estuary appeared to be effective but Key said: "we may well see more oil in the estuary".