Flights confirm Rena wreck unchanged
16 January 2012 (voxy.co.nz) – Aerial observation flights to Rena this morning by Maritime New Zealand and Svitzer salvors confirm no change to the state of the wreck. The crane barge Smit Borneo is now in position near the wreck of the Rena. Swell and sea conditions continue to ease at Astrolabe Reef with more settled weather forecast from Tuesday onwards. Divers carried out preliminary checks yesterday and remain on standby for the right sea conditions to survey the sunken rear section of Rena. The dive inspection will confirm the state of the stern and identify any underwater obstructions to help guide the salvage operation. Braemar Howells recovery team’s crane barge Subritzski and a fast response sraft (cat) will resume debris collection in the White Island area from this morning. A vessel will be collecting debris around Motiti Island today. People sighting containers or debris are urged to please report it to 0 800 333 771. Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Teams (SCAT) will be deployed to Motiti Island today, with the assistance of an environmental advisor. Shoreline clean-up operations will continue at Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Leisure Island, and Matakana Island. Protective oil booms will remain in place at Makete, Little Waihi, and Waitahanui.
