The pumping of fuel from the stricken container ship Rena on Astrolabe Reef has been suspended due to deteriorating weather.
Maritime New Zealand has confirmed pumping of fuel from Rena has been temporarily stopped due to worsening weather conditions.
Rena, aground at the Astrolabe Reef.
Teams worked overnight to pump 10 tonnes of fuel from the ship onto the vessel Awanuia, berthed alongside Rena.
There is 1700 tonnes of fuel on board the ship and it is expected to take two days to pump the fuel off the ship.
With 35 knot onshore north easterly winds and rough seas expected in the next three days, a spokesperson for Maritime NZ says the safety of the people working on the ship has to be a priority.
'We have to make sure people are not put in danger and we are constantly assessing the conditions.”
Fuel from the damaged tank in the front port side of the ship has been transferred into tanks at the rear of the ship ready to be pumped onto the vessel Awanui.
Officials will assess whether pumping will continue this morning.
4 comments
So what they're saying is...
Posted on 10-10-2011 09:49 | By theschizzle
"Unfortunately, we've left it a little late, and now we're going to have to let the storm break up the ship and destroy the environment. Sorry, chaps! Our bad! Bucket and spade anyone?"
Amazing.
Posted on 10-10-2011 10:12 | By TGA33
Wow they got a whole 10 tonnes off in 5 days of nice calm weather, only another 1690 tones to go. Recon i could have spooned it off quicker!! Ive no doubt is a difficult job but they seem to have wasted 5 days of good weather, just really hope they don't look back and regret it.
10 tonnes?
Posted on 10-10-2011 10:20 | By wreck1080
I wonder why they did not begin when conditions were good. Anyone? Did it take this long to secure the necessary equipment and facilities.
Well done
Posted on 10-10-2011 16:33 | By Kin
10 tonnes is no mean feat using a garden hose and a good suck. Doubt any of you lot could do any better.
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