Forecast fine for Rena operation to continue

Nine containers were removed from Rena yesterday, which means that a total of 252 containers have now been removed from the ship, since the container removal operation began on 16 November.

This morning, the crane barge Smit Borneo will be repositioned on the starboard side of Rena. The repositioning will take most of the morning but container removal from the starboard side is expected to recommence this afternoon.

Weather conditions are forecast to remain fine over Christmas with light winds from the northeast, turning east later and the swell dropping.

Braemar Howells advises that 256 containers, which include those removed from Rena by the Svitzer salvage team, and those recovered from the water, have now been landed ashore for processing.

A container recovery team went to Motiti Island yesterday and removed several skips of debris from the beach. Container debris was spotted five nautical miles north of Whangamata yesterday and retrieved.

The oil spill response aerial observation team noted an oil sheen seen yesterday west of Motiti was not visible this morning. A narrow band of metallic rainbow sheen is visible for a couple of kilometres north west of Rena.

Shoreline clean-up assessment teams will be working towards Papamoa today. Rock washing continues on Mauao, along with hand cleaning at Matakana. At Motiti, the focus will be on the western side to prepare areas for the next bird release. Oiled debris was found at Kaituna yesterday by the river mouth.

A wildlife team surveyed Mōtītī's south western end overnight but found no oiled penguins. Thirteen clean birds were seen. The wildlife teams will be helping with rock washing today.