Maritime New Zealand’s oil response personnel are among those working with local authorities to prepare for the re-floating of the Manahau barge that ran aground in Westport at the weekend.
Maritime New Zealand said the near 100m Manahau, a Westland Mineral Sands barge, ran aground at Carters Beach about midnight Saturday during a storm.
Multiple authorities working toward re-floating the vessel said it could take days to achieve and hoped it could be completed by the end of this week with help from a specialist tug boat from the North Island.
A Westland Mineral Sands spokesperson told 1News the towing vessel MMA Vision would leave New Plymouth today, and a second smaller tug was on its way from Napier to assist with the recovery effort.
In an update this afternoon, Maritime New Zealand’s national on scene commander Mick Courtnell said a restricted zone was put in place and there was no immediate risk of the Marahau’s fuel leaking, despite strong swells over the last 24 hours.
“The restrictions are in place to protect the public from harm, while the operation continues to secure and salvage the barge. Restrictions have been implemented under the Maritime Transport Act and are subject to change.”
Courtnell said the organisation’s oil response experts were working with local authorities on environmental protection plans.
“Personnel and specialist equipment has been mobilised as part of precautionary plans to protect the local environment in the event of any spill.”
In preparation for the salvage managed by operator Westland Mineral Sands, he also said teams had been working to ensure the vessel remained secure on the beach.
“It is held by its anchors, which have been buried in sand, and seven five-tonne blocks of concrete to prevent significant movement.”
Courtall said Maritime New Zealand would continue to lead the Government response, including oversight of the operator’s salvage plans and activities.
