Vessel runs aground in Kaikōura

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  Image credit: Andrew Spencer Photography

  The salvors have now removed the top and front half of the 40-foot vessel grounded at Gooches Beach.
• The back half has large amounts of gravel in it and is limiting safe access to the fuel tanks.
• Small pieces of debris continue to escape the salvage site - members of the public should be aware of these hazards, possibly both on the beach and floating under the water's surface.
• Kaikōura Environment Canterbury staff will continue to monitor the wreck removal - this may be another two to three days.
• Best attempts will be made to ensure no debris is left on the beach and surrounds at the end of the operation.

• The salvage operation is underway on the 40-foot vessel that grounded at Gooches Beach.
• Some debris has been collected along the beach by locals, as well as those involved in the salvage.
• It's important the public are aware of any loose debris hazards, possibly on both the beach and floating under the water's surface.
• The removal of the fuel tanks remains the priority, however, access is limited to low tide.
• Our Kaikōura staff will continue to monitor the wreck removal.

The 40-foot vessel which ran aground in Kaikōura over the weekend has been pulled onto the gravel shore at Gooches Beach, and work to remove it has begun.

A salvage company has been engaged by the owner/their insurer to break the vessel up and remove it off the beach. This work, which includes removing oil from the vessel's tanks, began at low tide today.

Removal is estimated to take five to seven days to complete. Our local staff will monitor the removal of the wreck.

Environment Canterbury regional on-scene commander Emma Parr thanks the community for supporting the vessel owner and response staff during this time.

"Thank you to the locals who got stuck in and helped the owner with this incident. Their contribution has not gone unnoticed," she said.

• The vessel is now around 20 metres from the gravel beach at Ingles Bay and is stable.
• The owner of the vessel is working with their insurance company and salvor, who has been on site to assess the wreck.
• The plan is to pull the wreck onto the beach and break it up for removal, which will commence tomorrow during low tide - around midday.
• Once beached, the oil will be removed from the vessel tanks. Assessment of the wreck shows the safest option for removal of oil is for it to remain until the wreck is clear of the water.
• It will likely take five to seven days for all debris to be removed.
• Our local staff will monitor the wreck removal.
• The community have done a fantastic job of supporting the vessel owner and their crew through this difficult time, providing support and assistance to try to save the vessel.

• The 40-foot grounded vessel remains on the beach this morning.
• A salvage assessment will begin today which will include a fuel removal plan.
• A small amount of diesel sheen may be seen with tidal movements which will likely evaporate and disperse quickly in the current conditions.
• Further updates will be made as the situation progresses.

The grounded vessel in Kaikōura is now securely on the beach.

Environment Canterbury regional on-scene commander Emma Parr said a small amount of diesel has leaked from the vessel and has since dispersed.

"Staff will continue to work with the owner and salvors to ensure the fuel is removed from the vessel tomorrow and will respond as needed."

"We're asking people to keep away from the area while the recovery of the vessel is underway."

The owner of the 40-foot vessel which ran aground off the Kaikōura coast overnight is continuing efforts to get the vessel ashore, with support from locals.

Our regional on-scene commander Emma Parr said the vessel is approximately 150-metres away from the beach and is secured to the shore.

"A positive change in weather conditions means it is likely the vessel will be towed up on to the beach this afternoon," she said.

"This will allow for fuel removal and salvage. We are monitoring the situation and planning for any significant release of oil."

"I just want to take this opportunity to thank the community, who have been a great support in helping get this vessel ashore," she said.

Further updates will be made if there are significant changes.

Our coastal response team was alerted late this morning to a 40-foot vessel that ran aground off the Kaikōura coast overnight.

Regional on-scene commander Emma Parr said the vessel ran aground approximately 200 metres offshore.

"Four crew members were rescued and are safe and well."

"The vessel has multiple steel fuel tanks with around 1,300 litres of diesel on board," she said.

"We are aware of the delicate ecosystem in this area and are working to minimise any potential impact."

"The current weather is not favourable, with a strong cold southerly. The owner, along with help from locals, are attempting to tow the vessel, with plans for fuel removal and salvage of the vessel," she said.

"We will be working with other response agencies throughout the day."

On Sunday, 31 July our coastal response team was alerted to a 40-foot vessel that ran aground off the Kaikōura coast.

It ran aground, into rocks, approximately 200 metres offshore. The four crew members were rescued and were safe and well.

The vessel, with multiple steel fuel tanks, was carrying around 1,300 litres of diesel on board.

Conditions were initially not favourable for this operation, but by Sunday night the vessel was securely on the beach, thanks to locals towing it ashore.

The owner, along with help from locals, has been leading the operation. We have been monitoring and preparing for any potential environmental impacts.

The owner and/or their insurer is responsible for the vessel and its removal. They have been coordinating the response, with support from the local community. Costs relating to the vessel's removal is also the responsibility of the owner and/or their insurer.

The costs of a marine oil spill response undertaken by Environment Canterbury can also be recovered from the owner/insurer.

We know a small amount of oil leaked from the vessel by the sheen seen on the surface of the water. This is likely to have evaporated and dispersed quickly with weather and tidal movements. No further oily sheens have been seen since it has been secured on the beach.

There has been some debris removed from the water from the damaged vessel, and contractors have been tasked with collecting and removing the debris from the surrounding environment.

If you do see floating debris or any signs of oil on the water, please contact us.

It is important to stay away from the area while the salvage operation is in progress and to be cautious of debris that may be floating under the water's surface.