Rena zone still in force

Boaties are being reminded that the Rena exclusion zone is still in force ahead of the expected fine weather over the Easter break.

Regional harbourmaster Peter Buell says the four kilometre zone is still in effect around the Astrolabe Reef, with work around the wreck ongoing.


The extent of the Rena exclusion zone.

Even though salvors Resolve Salvage and Fire have left the area, work is still continuing, with new company New Zealand Diving and Salvage currently on site.

Boats of all sizes from bulk carriers and fishing vessels to launches and private yachts are still regularly breaching the two nautical mile (3.7km) exclusion zone.

'Large vessels in particular have no excuse,” says Peter, 'as the notice to mariners is clear. Rena operations are still underway, and they need to be able to work without vessels getting in the way.”

There have been almost 20 recorded breaches of the exclusion zone since the beginning of this year, and four infringement fines have been issued.

Boat owners who make only minor or inadvertent breaches receive a warning.

But a repeated breach will warrant a fine, says Peter. Daily patrols are continuing and anyone found within the zone may be fined.

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1 comment

Wisechief

Posted on 03-04-2015 08:37 | By Wise Chief

I guess well have to use night vision goggles cameras to film the all around about and over the wreck that we locals can finally get a true picture of whats going on out there and what is intended to be left behind. We certainly can't rely on all the local authoritative very well paid liars roundabout this wreck who are all hanging around like blowfly's on a turd for the bite of the insurance pie. Lets see if what these people have been saying is true or not. This not Pike Mine where one can bury the usual dithering incompetence and ensuing mistakes aye Pirihimana et Al. LOL


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