WESTAND MIERAL SANDS’ motorised bulk barge Manahau was successfully floated around 1230 hours local time today [6 September] after a salvage operation that began six hours earlier.
The 98-metre barge, operated by WMS subsidiary West Coast Bulk Logistics, dragged anchors and ran aground in heavy weather late last Saturday night on Carters Beach near the South Island port of Westport, at which the barge was due to load its second cargo. It had been waiting offshore for a week for conditions to moderate.
A WMS spokesperson said fresh water, food and supplies were delivered to the 11 Indonesian crewmembers on board before the day’s efforts began.
“Salvors used excavators to retrieve Manahau‘s anchors from the vessel and discharged all ballast — extra weight added to the boat to make it heavier so it remains hard pressed down on the beach — to prepare for recovery.
“When the salvage master was satisfied the necessary equipment was in place, the conditions were right and there was no risk to the crew or the environment, he gave the green light to begin the operation.”
A helicopter conveyed the towing rope from the AHTS MMA Vision to the barge and combination of the incoming tide and tug power brought Manahau off, stable, hull intact and with no leaks. Earlier in the week, salvors removed the barges Azipod propulsion units and stern skegs.
Maritime New Zealand thanked WMS for their efforts throughout the operation so far, as well as the salvage team and the district and regional councils, and said it would continue to monitor the next phase of the vessel’s towage into Nelson.
National On Scene Commander Mick Courtnell said it was very pleasing to see the Manahau leave Carters Beach.
“We’d like to thank everyone involved in the operation. It has been well managed so far in sometimes difficult conditions. Manahau’s owner and operator has worked well with Maritime NZ, Buller District Council and Westport Regional Council, which has been very helpful,” he said.
“MNZ’s role has been to lead the Government response to the incident, monitoring plans for assurance they are safe and compliant. Our teams will now support the local remediation efforts.”
A Transport Accident Commission investigation is underway into the incident.
The vessel’s Class Society will need to inspect and provide assurance that suitable repairs have been made before it can be released, MNZ said.
