Rena update: More rough weather

Rough weather and sea conditions continue to batter the Rena, with salvors reporting 8-10m waves having completely submerged the bridge section of the wreck.

A further 11 containers were estimated to have been lost at sea overnight but Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) staff say the extremely rough conditions have made it difficult to accurately assess numbers.

Crane barge Smit Borneo will remain in port until the weather eases however winds are expected to remain strong and the sea rough for several days.

Maritime New Zealand's Ross Henderson said the ongoing rough weather could result in more containers potentially being lost, as well as more pockets of oil being released from the vessel.

Checks along the Coromandel coastline today have not found any oil or debris but MNZ staff have said they would continue to monitor the shore over the next few days.

While there have been no public reports of oil coming ashore in the Bay of Plenty or Coromandel overnight, national On-Scene Commander Rob Service said rough sea conditions and strong winds could still see oil and debris washed ashore.

Mr Service warned people to exercise caution if using the beach, and please report any oil sightings to 0800 645 774, while any container debris should be reported to 0800 333 771.

The Bay of Plenty regional harbour master advises that shipping lanes are being monitored for debris, but are currently clear.

A two nautical mile exclusion zone remains in place around Astrolabe Reef, and navigational warnings continue to remain in force.