Ship grounded on reef may break up
Source: Agencies |
October 13, 2011, Thursday
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A CARGO ship that has spilled hundreds of tons of oil since striking a reef off New Zealand appeared to be breaking up in heavy seas as its captain faced criminal charges in court yesterday.
A vertical crack was apparent from the deck to the waterline of the Liberian-flagged Rena, which ran aground a week ago on Astrolabe Reef, 22 kilometers from Tauranga Harbour on New Zealand's North Island. About 70 containers have fallen off the deck of the 236-meter vessel as it has listed increasingly in worsening ocean conditions.
Maritime New Zealand, which is managing the emergency response, described the crack as a "substantial structural failure" and warned the stern may break off. Three tugs have been mobilized to hold the stern on the reef while efforts are made to remove oil from the ship. The tugs may tow the stern to shallow water, the agency said.
Weather on the reef was poor yesterday, with swells up to 5m, according to Maritime New Zealand spokesman Steve Jones. Conditions made it impossible for a salvage crew to board the ship, he said. Without the salvage crew aboard, oil cannot be pumped from the ship.
Forecasters were predicting the swells would ease to 2m by tomorrow, at which point salvage crews might be able to board.
Piles of containers still on deck have continued to move, making it dangerous for salvage crews to work on board. Six vessels are trying to intercept the drifting containers and other debris.
The ship carried 1,368 containers, 11 containing hazardous substances, the maritime agency said. The containers with hazardous materials were not among the 70 that had fallen overboard, Jones said. However, it is likely more containers will topple overboard because of rough weather and the ship's list.
The unnamed 44-year-old Filipino captain was charged with operating a vessel in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk and was released on bail yesterday at Tauranga District Court. The second officer faces a similar charge.
If convicted, the captain could face a fine of up to 10,000 New Zealand dollars (US$7,800) and 12 months in prison. His next court appearance is October 19, when authorities say more charges are likely.
Maritime New Zealand estimates between 220 and 330 tons of fuel oil have spilled from the hull.
A vertical crack was apparent from the deck to the waterline of the Liberian-flagged Rena, which ran aground a week ago on Astrolabe Reef, 22 kilometers from Tauranga Harbour on New Zealand's North Island. About 70 containers have fallen off the deck of the 236-meter vessel as it has listed increasingly in worsening ocean conditions.
Maritime New Zealand, which is managing the emergency response, described the crack as a "substantial structural failure" and warned the stern may break off. Three tugs have been mobilized to hold the stern on the reef while efforts are made to remove oil from the ship. The tugs may tow the stern to shallow water, the agency said.
Weather on the reef was poor yesterday, with swells up to 5m, according to Maritime New Zealand spokesman Steve Jones. Conditions made it impossible for a salvage crew to board the ship, he said. Without the salvage crew aboard, oil cannot be pumped from the ship.
Forecasters were predicting the swells would ease to 2m by tomorrow, at which point salvage crews might be able to board.
Piles of containers still on deck have continued to move, making it dangerous for salvage crews to work on board. Six vessels are trying to intercept the drifting containers and other debris.
The ship carried 1,368 containers, 11 containing hazardous substances, the maritime agency said. The containers with hazardous materials were not among the 70 that had fallen overboard, Jones said. However, it is likely more containers will topple overboard because of rough weather and the ship's list.
The unnamed 44-year-old Filipino captain was charged with operating a vessel in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk and was released on bail yesterday at Tauranga District Court. The second officer faces a similar charge.
If convicted, the captain could face a fine of up to 10,000 New Zealand dollars (US$7,800) and 12 months in prison. His next court appearance is October 19, when authorities say more charges are likely.
Maritime New Zealand estimates between 220 and 330 tons of fuel oil have spilled from the hull.
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