Containers in the Water Off New Zealand

[LakeSuperior]

The ship which is breaking apart in bad weather, has dumped 70 containers into the water with more expected.

Ship Off New Zealand Might Break Apart; Rena - WSJ.com

[deckofficer]

A member on my forum lives near the area being fouled. It is hard to imagine, MNZ would say to the press that although they have lots of experience dealing with vessels running aground, they didn't have any experience with a large ship running aground at 17 kts. What did they think would happened when 100,000 tons and the energy that represents at 17 kts, is brought to a halt in a short time frame? Here is a short exchange between the Kiwi and myself.

Interesting story for Sailors.

[James S]

So with all the concern about the fuel leaking into the water...are the authorities not concerned about the contents of those containers leaking into the water?
What about the navigational hazards.

[deckofficer]

James,

The officer on watch deviated from standing orders to attempt to make up some time to allow a more favorable tide and current for entering port. The floating containers will be a hazard to navigation, Rena, aground out of the shipping lanes, not so much. As to the containers with water reactive contents, the way MNZ as acted to date, it is anyone's guess how they are going to address that. Containers are typically loaded to facilitate efficient discharge at upcoming ports, BUT if contents are reactive to water, you would think provisions would be made for their hold position.

[IslandHopper]

Some footage from a salvage inspection....

On the Rena - rena-crisis - environment | Stuff.co.nz

....take note of the movement in the fracture.....