New Zealand authorities said removal of bunker fuel from the wrecked containership Rena resumed Thursday after poor weather caused suspension of pumping on Wednesday.
Maritime New Zealand, the agency overseeing clean-up of the wreck, said 88 containers have been lost overboard and 29 are unaccounted for. The ship went aground on Astrolabe Reef on Oct. 5.
The ship is owned and managed by the Greek containership chartering firm Costamare, which said removal of fuel was the top priority.
In a statement, Costamare said its insurers and salvors “are doing everything that can be done to minimize the effects of the pollution and will continue to do so.”
Costamare’s insurer, The Swedish Club, said the Greek company’s insurance coverage includes pollution liabilities and that “the owner’s obligations in this situation will be met in full.”
Rena resumes fuel removal
