A stricken fishing vessel has run aground on rocks near a vulnerable penguin colony, resulting in an oil spill that poses a threat to the local environment. The 25m Austro Carina, owned by Pegasus Fishing Ltd, ran aground on the southeastern side of the Banks Peninsula in New Zealand on Sunday night. The vessel was carrying 10,000L of diesel and 400L of hydraulic oil when it ran aground. Initial observations indicate that the spilled oil is heading towards Shell Bay, which is home to endangered species such as yellow-eyed penguins and spotted shags.
The owner of the vessel, Tony Threadwell, admitted that a mistake had been made but emphasized that the crew were physically unharmed. An internal inquiry is underway to determine the cause of the accident. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has opened an investigation into the grounding of the Austro Carina and dispatched a team to gather evidence.
Environmental experts and locals have expressed concerns about the ability of authorities to effectively respond to the spill and protect the wildlife habitat. Dougal Roberts, an oil expert with extensive experience, criticized the lack of a robust oil spill response organization in New Zealand. Meanwhile, Environment Canterbury (ECan), the regional council responsible for the spill, has stated that trained responders are on the scene to manage the situation and minimize the impact on the environment.
Professor Chris Battershill, who led the environmental response to the Rena oil spill in 2011, defended the country’s spill response capabilities, citing improvements such as enhanced collaboration with local communities and improved access to habitat information. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by the exposed coast and emphasized the need for prompt action in containing and assessing the spilled fuel.
The situation is further complicated by the potential adverse effects of diesel on wildlife. While diesel is less persistent than heavy fuel, its toxic fumes can harm wildlife if released during a critical time when birds return to the shore. The conditions at the scene have been described as extremely challenging and unsafe, hampering response efforts.
As the cleanup and investigation continue, authorities are urging boaties to stay away from the area and avoid contact with the spill and affected wildlife. The full extent of the spill and its impact on the ecosystem are yet to be determined. Nevertheless, efforts are underway to contain the spill, protect the wildlife, and minimize the damage caused by this unfortunate accident.
