A Transport Accident Investigation Commission investigator will meet the Amaltal Columbia when it docks under tow in Lyttelton (expected about midnight this evening Wed 12 Sep) and begin a physical examination of the ship tomorrow once it has been made safe. Another investigator is travelling to Nelson to interview from tomorrow morning company officials and the crew which is being returned from Christchurch.

The Commission’s inquiry will set out to explain the cause of the fire and identify any lessons that might prevent the chance of a similar event happening in the future, as well as review the way in which the situation was handled on board and during the rescue and recovery operations.

The inquiry will take up to a year to complete.

(Next update unlikely before midday tomorrow (Thu 13 Sep) unless situation/plans change. Earlier statement is repeated below)

ENDS

© Scoop Media