Rena Splits In Two

Posted by Gold FM on 08/01/2012

The National Response Team has been mobilised in anticipation of further possible releases of oil after the Rena split in two on the Astrolabe Reef. The weather has taken a toll on the stricken cargo ship with dozens of containers falling into the sea. 

The front of the boat remains on the reef where it was, but the stern has now moved approximately 30 metres, even though it is still on the reef.

Debris is littering the area after swells of at least 6 metres hammered the Rena overnight. A three nautical-mile exclusion zone around the ship may also need to be extended as a result of debris in the sea which is likely to reach beaches later today.

Salvors had been working furiously to remove as many containers as possible before the expected weather set in.

Members of the public are being urged to resist opening or touching container materials, as this makes them more difficult to recover and is a potential health hazard. Anyone finding containers or container debris is asked to report it.