THE WILDLIFE excursion vessel that grounded on New Zealand’s Banks Peninsula on Saturday [31 January] has been washed off the rocks by heavy swells.
Catamaran Black Cat ran ashore in Nīkau Palm Valley Bay, Akaroa, during a cruise with 38 passengers and three crew, all of whom were safely evacuated to nearby vessels, aboard.
In an update issued this morning [5 February] Environment Canterbury said its teams remain on site progressing the response and overseeing a safe recovery plan.
Swells yesterday afternoon dislodged the wrecked vessel from its previous location on the rocks and it is now sitting higher up the beach. ECAN expects Black Cat to move further in the coming days and settle through the tidal cycle.
"This has changed the recovery options available, and the salvage plan is being adapted accordingly,” ECAN said.
“We expect that less internal debris will be released, making collection more straightforward and minimising environmental impact. All parties involved continue to be committed to the removal of the wreck in its entirety from this sensitive area.
“This morning the response team observed a crested penguin (species unconfirmed) that showed signs of potentially being unwell. The wildlife team attempted to capture the penguin to assess its welfare and whether its behaviour was due to contact with oil. After several attempts, they were unable to capture the penguin as it dived under water as soon as it was approached.
“After specialist advice from Wildbase, the decision was made to stop efforts to capture it as continuing could have caused distress to the animal. We continue to observe the penguin as part of our wildlife observation plan and will take any necessary action to help distressed wildlife,” ECAN said.
Debris collection and environmental monitoring will continue in the coming days. The 200-metre exclusion zone remains in place.
The grounding is the subject of examination by owners Black Cat Cruises and NZ’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission.