Ports Of Auckland Tsunami Response

Ports Of Auckland Tsunami Response

28 February 2010

Ports of Auckland has evacuated all commercial vessels from the Waitemata seaport to deep harbour following a tsunami alert from the Ministry of Civil Defence.

Affected vessels include the Dawn Princess cruise ship. Passengers disembarked from the ship earlier this morning. The ship will return later in the day to pick up returning passengers, once an all clear is given by Civil Defence.
Port Services General Manager Wayne Mills says while the tsunami threat in the Waitemata Harbour is low, a cautious approach is being taken.

Mr Mills says the port is liaising closely with Civil Defence and the Auckland Regional Council Harbourmaster, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

All large commercial vessels have been evacuated from berth with the Dawn Princess maintaining station in deep water east of Fergusson container terminal and the Tasman Chief, Matua and Medea outside Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Mr Mills said the evacuation was completed prior to 10 am and that the port held no particular concerns for any vessel.

As a precautionary measure, earlier this morning all ships in and entering the Waitemata seaport were placed on alert to leave at short notice, and the port's pilots placed on standby.

Precautionary measures relating to on-shore operations have also been planned with terminal operations, including receival and delivery, scheduled to cease at 10.45 am, recommencing 11.15 am.

ENDS