The stern of the Rena which broke off overnight is expected to
sink in the near future, Environment Minister Nick Smith
says.
The ship is now in two pieces that are about 20-30 metres apart after it was battered by huge swells overnight.
Maritime New Zealand says while the front remains wedged on the Astrolabe Reef, the stern has dislodged, much of it now submerged.
-
Related
"What is likely to happen is the stern will sink," said Smith. "It's not capable of floating in its current state."
Between 200 to 300 containers have been lost overboard. Authorities estimate just 20 - 30% of them will float and the rest will sink.
The government admits some have dangerous goods within them, but it's expected the water will dilute any toxins.
"There are 21 containers that contain creolite from the Bluff aluminium smelter. These were in the section that was breached," said Smith.
MNZ said Defence Force assets have been mobilised with some arriving this afternoon and the rest tomorrow.
Tugs have been sent out to tag containers with buoys as conditions are too rough to tow or safely recover them.
Vessels with trawl nets will be also sent out to collect debris once weather conditions improved.
Authorities say oil and debris from the ship is expected to wash up on beaches over the next 24 hours.
Oil spill response teams and wildlife experts are now on high alert.
"There are resources there if anything comes ashore but at this stage we want to get everything before it comes to shore at this stage," said Claudene Sharp from container recovery company Braemar Howells.
Locals should call 0800 645 774 if they see oil, debris or injured wildlife.
Navigational warnings have been issued for shipping and boat users after the Rena split in two overnight amid severe weather conditions.
Teams mobilised
National On Scene Commander Alex van Wijngaarden said reports so far are that there has been no significant release of oil, but with the Rena in its current fragile state, a further release is likely.
Spokesman Eddie Grogan said the regional council is reassessing the maritime exclusion zone around the cargo ship and anticipates it will be increased.
He said while the conditions might be good for surfers, people should be aware that a large amount of debris is in the water.
"We're asking people to be conscious of the hazards and to be sensible and careful," Grogan said. "Personal safety is our top priority so we're asking people to not put themselves in situations where they could get injured."
Port of Tauranga is monitoring port channels using side-scanning sonar and magnetometer sweeping. It says ships arriving and departing the Port of Tauranga should exercise extreme caution and maintain a vigilant lookout.
The port warns anchorages are likely to be affected by floating containers and debris and it is recommending they are not used until further notice.
Two pieces
The 47,230-tonne Liberian-flagged Rena separated overnight as seas of up to six metres hit the 236-metre long ship overnight.
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) says weather conditions continue to be poor and the severe weather is expected to carry through for the next three to four days.
The bad weather is not expected to ease until at least Wednesday.
The Rena hit the Astrolabe Reef on October 5 and has leaked around 350 tonnes of oil with many containers lost overboard.
Rena's captain and navigation officer, both Philippine nationals, have been charged with operating a vessel in a dangerous manner and releasing toxic substances.
The vessel is owned by Daina Shipping, a unit of Greece's Costamare, and was under charter to Mediterranean Shipping.
Extreme caution
Bay of Plenty Regional Council has established a cautionary area from Waihi Beach to Mayor Island to Maketu.
Vessels in the area are being urged to navigate with extreme caution, move at a slow speed and travel in daylight only.
The current Rena exclusion zone - three nautical mile radius around Astrolabe Reef- remains in place and will be reviewed as more information is gathered.
Anyone found in the exclusion zone without the harbourmaster's permission could be fined $200 or prosecuted.
Latest NZ News Video
-
ONE News Minute 9am update: May 26 (1:00)
-
Kids cough up $14m for Government (1:50)
-
Education ministry 'barbaric' (1:55)
