Sentencing day for Rena crew
The captain and navigation officer of the Rena will this morning be sentenced for their role in New Zealand's worst environmental maritime disaster.
Both the captain and navigation officer have pleaded guilty to a charge under section 65 of the Maritime Transport Act in relation to operating a ship in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk to persons or property.
The Rena oil spill occurred off the coast of Tauranga. The spill was caused by the grounding of MV Rena on the Astrolabe Reef.
The Rena is a container ship owned by the Greek shipping company Costamare Inc., through one of its subsidiary companies and chartered by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
The spill has been described as New Zealand's worst maritime environmental disaster.
On Wednesday, 5 October 2011, at 2:20 AM while sailing in clear weather from Napier to Tauranga, and with a speed of 17 knots (20 mph), MV Rena ran aground on the Astrolabe Reef.
The ship was carrying 1,368 containers, eight of which contained hazardous materials, as well as 1,700 tonnes of heavy fuel oil and 200 tonnes of marine diesel oil. Initially the ship listed 11 degrees to port, with the front stuck on the reef.
By Sunday, 9 October 2011, a 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) oil slick threatened wildlife and the area's rich fishing waters.
-Anaru Palmer - Court Reporter.
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