New Rena threat emerges
Salvors have reported movement in the bow section Both sections of the Rena remain stuck on the Astrolabe Reef but there are increasing signs the wreck won't stay that way for long.Salvors have reported movement in the bow section as sea pressure inside the hollowed-out hull forces 50-tonne hatches to "pop off".And while the stern section remains perched near the top of the reef, there is a possibility that once underwater salvage operations begin it could slide further under.Maritime New Zealand salvage unit manager David Billington said container retrieval from the bow continues to be the salvors' priority, as they continue to hand-load much of the cargo from the ship.Only 35 containers remain on the top deck, with an additional 283 still in the hold below deck, but with every container removed the bow becomes lighter and is starting to move.Sea water rushing into the open hull is adding to the movement, as a pressure process called "hydraulicking" forces below-deck containers and the 50-tonne top-deck hatches to "pop off"."The salvage teams on board have reported the movement. They have noticed as they're taking weight off, the free parts are moving. This is just a piece of steel - it's been ...
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