26 Oct 2011

Salvors working in a garbage can

4:36 am on 26 October 2011

A Maritime New Zealand salvage team describes conditions aboard the Rena as similar to working in a large floating garbage can.

The Rena went aground off the coast of Tauranga on 5 October. About half the oil on the ship has now been pumped to a bunker barge.

Maritime NZ salvage manager Bruce Anderson says a dive team is having to cut through piping submerged in water and oil in order to set up pumps.

Other salvors are working in dark, hot and sticky conditions and are trying to avoid some areas, particularly containers with rotting goods inside.

Mr Anderson says the smell is similar to that of a large garbage can.