Revised timetable for salvaging Chathams wreck

20 April 2000

The Ministry of Fisheries has agreed to allow a further 46 days for a salvage company to remove the vessel, Seafresh 1 from the Chatham Islands.

Announcing the decision to issue a revised direction under the Biosecurity Act, Chief Technical Officer, Dr John Annala said it recognised the practicalities of the salvage task. The salvage company and insurers indicated a 42 day requirement at a discussion with the Ministry of Fisheries and the Maritime Safety Authority on Wednesday.

Dr Annala stated that because preparations were taking longer than anticipated, the Ministry had also decided to arrange a further dive survey of the Seafresh 1 hull within the next two weeks. Any further undaria that is found will be removed.

Another inspection is required if removal does not take place within three weeks. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure that any undaria plants on the hull do not reach their reproductive stage of development.

"Salvaging a vessel of this size is a complex process. A great deal of preparatory work has been undertaken, and the Ministry is pleased with progress to date", said Dr Annala.

MFish and the Maritime Safety Authority have been involved in reviewing the salvage plan as it develops to ensure it will meet all requirements, both with regard to the recovery of oil on board the vessel (MSA) and the removal of the vessel from the Chathams (MFish). The salvage plan is expected to be finalised and approved by next week.

Meanwhile the insurer has indicated that the salvage vessel is expected to arrive at the Chathams on Sunday night and a team of specialist divers to arrive on Monday.

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