Harbour Master urges awareness of Rena exclusion zone over the summer

The two nautical mile exclusion zone that exists for all vessels around the Rena wreck, situated on the Astrolabe Reef in the Bay of Plenty, is still in place.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Harbour Master Carl Magazinovic said divers were making good progress on the reduction of the wreck and debris field, but he urged people to be mindful of the exclusion zone while out on the water.

“Nine hundred tonnes of steel has now been removed,” he said. “However we still need an exclusion zone in place to ensure that the Rena response operations can continue safely and without hindrance from other vessels.”

“In consultation with the relevant parties we are constantly reviewing the exclusion zone and will keep the public informed if we do decide to make changes.”

The steel cutting work on Rena is now in its underwater cutting phase. A crane barge, tugs and a debris removal vessel have been deployed to the site to assist with the removal of material from the wreck.

“This is a timely reminder to those planning to spend some time out on the water in the Bay to keep safe this summer. As well as keeping two nautical miles away from the Rena wreck, you should wear a life jacket, keep to the five knot rule, stay out of the way of big ships and always tell someone where you are going.”

Anyone found in the exclusion zone without the express permission from the Harbour Master may be fined.

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