Journal: The Container Ship Rena
The Rena grounded at speed on the Astrolabe Reef 12 nau. miles off Tauranga on October 5th. The Rena is a mid sized container ship 235 metres long and 32 metres beam. Fuel oil is leaking and coming up onto the beaches, our pristine beaches. Containers are starting to drop of the 17 degree listing ship and a large crack shows towards the aft end. 3 tugs have been trying to steady the grounded ship. Marine experts are presently on board accessing the damage and the best mode to continue.

The Captain has been charged and also the 2nd Officer who watch it was. Pass ports have been confiscated pending further charges.

TV news channels, each day exaggerates the news. Radio talk-back is having a field day winding up all the armchair experts who all know "how to fix it".

Adults, children and families have been down on the beaches picking up the large lumps of congealed oil; shovelling up the small pieces and bagging  it all.