Source: Radio New Zealand
The agency says a recovery plan that minimised further environmental risk was underway. supplied
A tourist boat that grounded in Akaroa on Banks Peninsula is more damaged than thought, with Environment Canterbury believing all fuel has leaked into the sea.
The Black Cat Cruises boat remains inside the marine reserve, after it got into trouble on Saturday afternoon – with more than 40 people requiring rescue.
Environment Canterbury (ECAN) said the boat sustained “more significant damage” than anticipated and it was likely that the “full amount of marine diesel fuel” on board was released into the water.
It earlier said the boat was carrying 2240 litres of marine diesel fuel and around 120 litres of other oils in sealed containers and engines combined.
In a statement on Sunday, it said the environment was coping well with the fuel, with oil sheens decreasing over the course of the day.
“Wildlife specialists are on standby, and precautions are in place to mitigate any potential impacts to the surrounding environment. No wildlife in distress have been observed at this time.”
The agency said a recovery plan that minimised further environmental risk was underway in collaboration with iwi, the Department of Conservation, a salvage team and Black Cat Cruises.
It said the first phase of the recovery would see the boat fully submerged in deeper water to prevent further damage.
The second phase to lift the boat out of the water would depend on the weather and safety requirements, it said.
ECAN said the operation would begin in the next 24 hours, with phase one expected to be completed on Monday.
ECAN regional on-scene commander Emma Parr said the recovery operation was complex.
“We appreciate the support of all agencies and the local community as we work through the safest approach.”
Concerns
A conservation group said authorities were not doing enough to protect Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa Harbour.
Maui and Hector’s Dolphin Defenders said tourism pressure in Akaroa Harbour was relentless and oversight hadn’t kept pace.
Its chair Christine Rose said the grounding was a symptom of New Zealand’s commodification of nature for tourist dollars.
Councillor Tyrone Fields said it was the second time a boat had grounded in a sensitive area in three years.
He said he was deeply concerned about the impact the grounding had had on the environment.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission said it would be on the ground in Akaroa to investigate the grounding of the ferry.
Black Cat Cruises has been approached for comment.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
