A barge stuck on a Westport beach for almost a week is finally on the move again today.
The Westland Mineral Sands barge Manahau ran aground at Carters Beach over the weekend with 11 crew on board.
Teams had worked since Sunday on preparations for freeing the Niue-flagged vessel.
Salvage operations kicked off this morning, with a helicopter dropping a tow rope to the tug vessel.
The rope was then attached to the Manahau — and shortly before midday, the tugging began.
The Westland Mineral Sands barge Manahau ran aground over the weekend – and it’s finally on the move again today. (Source: 1News)
Locals were gathered to watch on as the barge moved off the beach.
At about 12.50pm, a Western Mineral Sands spokesperson said it had been “successfully refloated without incident”.
Crew ‘safe, happy and relieved’
The “specialist operation” started at low tide around 6.30am, the spokesperson said.
Fresh water, food and supplies were delivered to the crew on board before the day’s efforts began.
“Salvers used excavators to retrieve the Manahau’s anchors from the vessel and discharged all ballast — extra weight added to the boat to make it heavier so it remains hard pressed down on the beach — to prepare her for recovery.
“When the salvage master was satisfied the necessary equipment was in place, the conditions were right and there was no risk to the crew or the environment, he gave the green light to begin the operation.”
After the rope was attached, the incoming tide brought more water under the barge and the boat was “gently” pulled free.
“The vessel is stable, the hull is intact and there are no leaks and will now be towed to Nelson.
“The 11 crew on board played an integral role in the success of the recovery – they are safe, happy, and relieved to be on their way to shore,” the spokesperson said.
Company thanks locals, inquiries underway
Westland Mineral Sands thanked the community for their “understanding”.
“We would also like to thank Maritime New Zealand and other local authorities, and the salvage operator for their incredible work.”
The barge was carrying 100,000 litres of diesel but there were no reports of any leakage or spill.
The company earlier said it had “engaged an independent expert to help us understand how this incident occurred”.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into the grounding, with a team of investigators inspecting the vessel, recovering the ship’s records, interviewing the crew, authorities and any other witnesses.
Maritime NZ said the vessel would be towed to Nelson.
“The vessel’s Class Society will need to inspect and provide assurance that suitable repairs have been made before it can be released.”
