Rena Update: Weather Dominates

Salvage
• Rain, wind and swell are the dominant factors with no salvors on board Rena today
• The Smit Borneo has been stood off and may be repositioned on the port side of the vessel once the weather improves
• Other vessels are using the break in operations to refuel at the Port of Tauranga
• A light oil sheen was seen around Rena extending up to 2.5kms to the southwest
Container recovery
• No containers were recovered yesterday and none will be removed today because of weather and sea conditions
• Cleaners have been operating along the beaches removing debris and meat
• Members of the public are advised not to handle any meat that is washed ashore but to call 572 4601 or 027 897 4259 for proper disposal
Oil spill response
• The current conditions will help break the oil up but could also bring more oil ashore. This doesn't reflect a change in the state of Rena but is the result of the stronger swells and wind.
• Further oil has been reported in the Papamoa and Mount Maunganui beach areas and cleaners will be working on those areas today
Wildlife
• One newly oiled penguin was picked up today and will be fed and stabilised before being sent to the Wildlife Recovery Centre in Palmerston North
• Teams monitored penguin sites around Mauao / Mount Maunganui last night - 37 penguins were checked but none were oiled
• People should call 0800 333 771 to report any oiled wildlife but call their local DOC office for other wildlife matters
Weather
• Forecasters are predicting a strong northerly flow till Sunday
• Northeast winds 25 knots gusting to 35 knots easing to 20 knots in the evening
• Rough seas easing to moderate in the evening
• 2 to 2.5 metre swell easing to 1.5 m Saturday and to 1 m Sunday
The next media update will be on Monday 2 Jan 2012 with daily updates to commence on Wed 4 Jan and the first press conference for the new year will be on Thursday 5 January

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