December 18, 2014
Rena crash pointless shortcut
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has blamed the crew and ship management for the grounding of the container ship Rena on Otaiti Astrolabe Reef three years ago.
But it also concluded not enough data is being collected to make a meaningful analysis of shipping movements around the New Zealand coast for safety purposes.
The grounding released large quantities of oil which polluted beaches throughout the Bay of Plenty, and the wreck continues to seep oil and other pollutants in rough weather.
Local iwi are fighting for the wreck to be completely removed from the reef, but the ship owners are seeking resource consent to leave what is left in place.
The commission found the Rena ran aground because the crew deviated from planned course lines in an effort to reach Tauranga Harbour before a tide change meant it couldn’t get in.
It said the shortcut that put the ship on the reef would have only saved a minute if the reef wasn’t there.
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