MNZ responding to incident off the coast of Tauranga October 5 2011

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MNZ responding to incident off the coast of Tauranga

05 October 2011: 9.00am

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) is this morning responding to an incident near Tauranga Harbour, after the 236m cargo vessel Rena struck the Astrolabe Reef around 2.20am. There are no reported injuries to the 25 crew on board.

The Astrolabe Reef is about 4 nautical miles north off Motiti Island (about 12 nautical miles off the coast).

In line with MNZ's contingency planning, MNZ's Marine Pollution Response Service (MPRS) is mobilising its team of trained spill responders, as well as specialist equipment to the site.

MNZ has also activated its Maritime Incident Response Team (MIRT), comprising technical maritime experts. The team is monitoring the situation closely from Wellington and has a Maritime Safety Inspector on board the vessel assessing the damage.

Members of the National Oiled Wildlife Response Team (NOWT) are also on their way to Tauranga.

It is reported that the vessel is on a 12 degree list (or lean) and that two of its cargo holds are flooded. It is reported that tanks containing the ship's heavy fuel oil are undamaged.

MPRS, in conjunction with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, is coordinating a flight over the area scheduled for around 8am today to further assess whether there is anything leaking from the vessel.

More information will be provided once it comes to hand.

Please see Responding to spills and pollution for information on New Zealand's oil spill response system.

For further information contact:Maritime New Zealand Media LinePhone 04 499 7318

http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/news/media-releases-2011/20111005a.as/p

Relates To

Part of Publication CollectionGrounding of the Rena (October 2011)

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MNZ responding to incident off the coast of Tauranga October 5 2011