Royal Navy vessel HMNZS Te Kaha has leaked oil into the Akaroa Harbour. Photo / Mark Robinson
Royal Navy vessel HMNZS Te Kaha has leaked oil into the Akaroa Harbour. Photo / Mark Robinson
A Royal New Zealand Navy vessel has spilled hundreds of litres of oil into Akaroa Harbour.
The leak was caused by a defect on one of the ship’s oil coolers, the Defence Force has said.
“We’re aware of an incident in Akaroa Harbour where the anchored Royal New Zealand Navyvessel, HMNZS Te Kaha, has spilt an estimated 200–300 litres of lubricating oil into the harbour," Environment Canterbury said in a statement.
It was notified immediately by the New Zealand Defence Force and is now working alongside it to monitor and support clean-up efforts, Environment Canterbury said.
“If you see or smell oil, please stay away from the affected area and report any sightings or concerns to our pollution hotline – 0800 POLLUTE (0800 765 588).
“If you observe any affected wildlife, please do not touch it, instead keep a safe distance and call us on the number above.”
A Defence Force spokeswoman said it contacted harbour authorities and took immediate steps to clean up the leaked oil.
“Soaker pads were used to clean up surface oil and oil dispersed by crew on a RHIB [Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat] following the leak, which was caused by a defect to an oil cooler on the starboard engine,” the spokeswoman said in a statement.
“The source of the leak has been isolated and no further oil is leaking.
“The ship remains anchored in Akaroa Harbour.”
The ship’s company is working with Environment Canterbury staff, who are monitoring and assisting with clean-up efforts.
Canterbury Hits radio host Connor Kitto said his girlfriend had spotted the oil slick from her family bach nearby.
The spill came from the HMNZS Te Kaha. Photo / US Navy
Kitto said an oil slick could be seen across the surface of the water, with multiple boats nearby using some type of net that seemed to be meant for cleaning up the oil.
An oil spill can be seen in Akaroa Harbour, Canterbury after the HMNZS Te Kaha spilled 200-300 litres of lubricating oil while at anchor.
Kitto said it was “not good enough” and while he did not know the cause of the oil spill, he hoped there would be some type of compensation for “protecting our taonga and the marine environment” that would be put in place.
Local man Mark Robinson shared a photo of the ship in the harbour beside the oil slick.
“The slick is drifting at an alarming rate towards Wainui Beach,” he wrote.
