Troubled ship returning to Tauranga

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UPDATE 12.30pm: A ship which got into trouble after leaving the Port of Tauranga yesterday has anchored off shore until parts to help fix it can be found.

The MED is now located 3.7 nautical miles off shore after leaving Tauranga early on Monday bound for Noumea.

Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand spokesman Steve Rendell said the crew managed to make some interim repairs and it was "anchored safe and sound off shore for now".

Mr Rendell said the ship could remain there for at least another day as they waited for the parts.

EARLIER at 7.38am: A ship which got into trouble after leaving the Port of Tauranga yesterday has this morning returned to local waters.

Container ship the MED appealed for help yesterday after appearing to lose steering near Mayor Island, after leaving the port in the early hours.

The MED was Noumea bound.

However, marine tracking shows the 35,000 tonne ship has back tracked on its route yesterday, returning to Tauranga waters after getting as far as 26 nautical miles off the Coromandel coast.

It was now about 5kms north of Tauranga Harbour's A Beacon.

Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand spokesman Michael Flyger said it was due to meet first thing this morning to discuss what was to happen with the ship, and confirm whether it was being towed by Tauranga tugs.

Mr Flyger said yesterday it was waiting on a decision to be made by the ship's french owners.