Asia/Pacific News
Fuel Spill During Bunkering in New Zealand, Heavy Winds Interfering with Cleanup
Rain and wind have hampered cleanup efforts of a bunker spill in New Zealand, local media reports.
According to reports, an unknown amount of fuel stemming from an oil line was leaked into Tauranga Harbour Monday morning while an unnamed ship was bunkering at the port.
However, turbulent weather has made attempts at containing the fuel using booms ineffective, according to Regional Council oil spill On Scene Commander Adrian Heays.
"At this stage we don't have any idea how much oil was lost," Heays said.
"This means there could be oil coming ashore on beaches, and on boats."
So far, fuel has been washing ashore because of the incoming tide.
However, it is expected that the fuel could begin washing out to sea once the tide turns.
Heays said that the Regional Council is now urging boaters and beachgoers to report new sightings of oil so that authorities can understand where the fuel is spreading.
Last year, the port also experienced a fuel spill during bunkering operations, with up to 20 litres of heavy fuel oil leaking into the harbour.
