WELLINGTON — A cargo ship which caused New Zealand's worst maritime pollution disaster when it ran aground three months ago broke in two in a storm on Sunday, raising fears of a fresh environmental crisis.
A team of oil-spill and wildlife specialists has been mobilised as oil again began flowing from the Rena, which has been stuck on Astrolabe Reef off the North Island resort area of Tauranga since October 5.
The Rena is now in two pieces which have been forced 20-30 metres (yards) apart after being pounded by waves up to seven metres high.
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) on-scene commander Alex van Wijngaarden said the National Response Team, which included oil spill response and wildlife experts was preparing for the likelihood of more oil coming ashore.
"While it is unknown at this stage exactly how much oil may be released, teams have been mobilised and will be ready to respond to anything that may come ashore," he said.
"The wildlife response had also been increased to help deal with any affected wildlife.""We don't yet know what amount of oil may have been released, but we are gearing up for an expected release of oil and container debris on shore, and have response teams ready to go once that starts happening."
Salvage crews have removed more than 1,100 tons of oil from the stricken vessel, but 385 tonnes remain onboard.
Hundreds of tonnes of fuel have already spilled into the sea, killing more than 20,000 seabirds in the area.
The captain and other senior officers face up to 16 charges relating to the wreck.
No comments:
Post a Comment