Breaking News - Port of Tauranga Update on Container Ship Rena

by Container Ship Rena on 2012-01-08 02:31:18

8th January 2012: Bad weather and large swells overnight have significantly altered the condition of the Rena, aground on Astrolabe Reef.

The vessel has now split in two but both sections currently remain on the reef. Further containers and debris have been lost overboard and containers have been sighted floating in a West North West direction from the vessel, between eight and ten miles north of the port.

We have redeployed monitoring of the port channels, utilising side-scanning sonar and magnetometer sweeping. Ships arriving and departing the Port of Tauranga should exercise extreme caution and maintain a vigilant lookout.

As anchorages off the port are likely to be affected by floating containers and debris, it is recommended that these are not used until further notice. Ships awaiting entry to the port are advised to drift north of Mayor Island.

We will update you directly as the situation evolves.

Mark Cairns
Chief Executive
Port of Tauranga