Editorial: Enough rot; end Rena's hangover

Again, the Rena spews forth its rotting, waterlogged cargo.

The doomsayers who warned the Rena's wreckage would continue to roll up on Western Bay beaches for months to come were right.

During the sharp and relatively short storm on Wednesday, the broken and battered cargo ship lost more containers overboard.

Some of the 100 tonnes or so of oil remaining on the ship was released into the sea and, despite 6m swells, the stern of the vessel shifted position on the reef but remained intact.

These storms, and the flow of oil and litter which inevitably follow, affect countless businesses, as well as surfers, walkers, runners, swimmers, divers, fishing enthusiasts and nature watchers.

It's easy to forget this ship is still out there, still posing an environmental threat, still costing a huge amount of money to clean up, but this is the reality.

The fortitude with which Bay residents continue to face the Rena's impact does this region proud.

No one should have to suffer in silence, particularly those businesses where livelihoods are at risk because of the lingering impact, but the fact locals are determinedly continuing with their work and hobbies - where possible - shows the deep desire within the community for life to return to normal.

But how much longer can we enjoy the relative fortune of a ship which remains near the surface of the ocean?

Maritime New Zealand Tauranga response and recovery manager David Billington was at sea for 18 years and predicts the ship will soon start to break up into small parts.

"I know the strength of the sea. It [the Rena] is just literally being pounded to death. It's amazing. It's still fighting."

It is unclear how many containers have been lost this time but debris, including timber and milk powder, has been lost into the sea.

Experts speak of a "debris field" bobbing around offshore and very small droplets of oil on the beaches.

Sound familiar? We've been here before and it's likely to happen again.

The sooner Rena is cleaned up the better.