Rena salvage: 'Preparing for the worst'

Stuff

1 November, 2011, 1.38 pm

Salvors have confirmed the hull of the stricken ship Rena has suffered further damage overnight, fuelling fears the ship could break up in the next two days.

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) salvage unit manager Bruce Anderson said the team was "preparing for the worst" as the weather was deteriorating with 5-metre swells expected in the next 24 hours.

There were 3-metre swells around the grounded ship today and weather was forecast to get worse.

The Rena had about 1700 tonnes of oil when it crashed into the Astrolabe Reef nearly a month ago, and still had around 350 tonnes remaining on board.

Anderson said salvors had reported further buckling of the hull on the starboard side, but the ship was still holding in one piece for now, as the damage was further back from the main cracks.

"The situation is looking increasingly precarious and we are preparing for the worst," he said.

"The worst of the weather is due to hit around midnight tonight. We are continuing to closely monitor the situation."

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