Motiti Islanders react to Rena stranding

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Thu, 06 Oct 2011 7:00p.m.

The Rena shouldn’t have been anywhere near the Astrolabe Reef

The Rena shouldn’t have been anywhere near the Astrolabe Reef

How the huge cargo ship which has run aground off the coast of Tauranga got there, almost defies understanding.

The Rena shouldn’t have been anywhere near the Astrolabe Reef.

It’s not a disaster – yet – but has the potential to be one; a 47,000 tonne ship, dangerous goods on board and 1700 tonnes of fuel.

Some oil is already leaking and the slick is clearly visible.

The closest land to where the Rena has run aground is not the mainland, but a small, inhabited island.

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Comments

07 Oct 2011 10:47p.m.

James wrote:

Why isn't the ship capable of pumping the oil off there all ready...Why is it still in Auckland ??? Containers, could be lifted off by Large helicopters...Whats happening ??? GET MOVING !!! Cheers, James

07 Oct 2011 07:28p.m.

Ngati!! wrote:

Dn't forget about the smallest union in NZ playing in the Meads cup final Apopo go "East coast".

Ngati!!

07 Oct 2011 07:23p.m.

ociean wrote:

Where is keys in all this? is he still at the opera when where looking at a enviromental disaster,

07 Oct 2011 07:21p.m.

Marilyn Scott wrote:

Where are our political leaders now to reassure us that this ecological problem is being taken seriously. Were any of our politicians asked to front? Nick Smith Environment Minister where are you? John Key - we have not heard a word from you. We can only presume our "leaders" are pre-occupied with the RWC. This is a sad indictment on our priorities as a nation

07 Oct 2011 07:14p.m.

ben wrote:

why wasn't a boom put around it strait away , and the oil pumped off . this should be standard practice.

07 Oct 2011 07:08p.m.

D Rountree wrote:

It would seem that again money is the centre of this disaster.The owner can claim insurance. The salvage company wont make as much if the do the job quickly. The government wouldn't be able to sue for damages if there is no damage. Utimately the environment and New Zealanders will be the ones that pay the price.

07 Oct 2011 05:09p.m.

Adolf wrote:

They should use containers, witch they can fill up on the ship and transported by helicopter. This could be done already 4 days ago. Thanks Adolf

07 Oct 2011 02:52p.m.

Damian Matehaere wrote:

This is a sad state of affairs. Three days later and still we dont see a boom or a single vessel skimming. Meanwhile oil continues to flow into the sea. I believe Rena is too large a ship and too high aground for it to be be pulled off our reef, it will just open up the hull more. This is a sad day for Motiti Islanders and Mainlanders alike. Damian Matehaere