Boating exclusion zone extended

3.30pm, Monday 10 October 2011

The Bay of Plenty Regional Harbour Master has extended the exclusion zone around the grounded cargo ship Rena to 1.5 nautical miles.

The increase to 1.5 nautical miles (approximately 2.8 kilometres) was requested by the National On-Scene Commander to ensure response teams have clear access to the stranded vessel.

This situation is expected to continue for some time and the exclusion zone is being monitored.

Anyone found breaching the exclusion zone could face a fine of up to $20,000.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council reiterates the previous boating advisory issued by Maritime New Zealand, and reminds boat owners that the fuel oil that has escaped from the container ship Rena may stick to boat hulls and gear and will need to be cleaned off in a controlled environment.

If people do find oil on their boats, they are advised to take the boat and trailer to a self-service car wash that is designed to cope with oil and other pollutants. Alternatively, owners can use a de-greaser or detergent to wash their boats, provided the run off cannot reach streams and watercourses or drains that take storm water off footpaths and roads.

ENDS

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