Bluff's big attraction safely shifted

3.00pm

After nine days stuck on rocks in Bluff harbour, the bulk carrier Tai Ping was successfully refloated around 11am today.

The Hong Kong-registered ship, which has drawn hundreds of onlookers to the Bluff shoreline since becoming stranded in fog last Tuesday, is now safely moored at one of the harbour's wharves.

The refloating got underway this morning when the crew dumped ballast water to lighten the ship and moved fuel to tanks high in the vessel to reduce the risk of pollution in the event of another grounding.

About two-thirds of the 6000-tonne cargo of urea fertiliser cargo had been removed.

After lifting off the bottom, the 16000-tonne bulk carrier was towed through a maze of submerged rocks, turned around and safely berthed in the harbour.

Four tugs helped move the ship.

The extent of damage to the vessel will be assessed by divers today before repairs are made.

The ship is expected to spend several days in port before sailing, possibly to a suitable Australian dry dock in Newcastle or Brisbane for permanent repairs.

The condition of the hull would be assessed and any necessary temporary repairs carried out before it could leave New Zealand.

Maritime Safety Authority director Russell Kilvington said yesterday the ship would not be allowed to leave port until the MSA and the ship's classification society, Lloyds, were satisfied it was seaworthy.

Mr Kilvington said there were large holes below the water line and there were still some very remote chances of seepage.

"It is remote but if any oil got out in five or six hours it would go straight up the harbour."

It is not thought the ship suffered any damage when it was lifted off the rocks.

Oil pollution crews were on standby as the ship was towed to the wharf but there was no sign of leaking oil. Protective booms were to be floated around the ship this afternoon in case of a leak.

- NZPA, HERALD STAFF

Further reading
nzherald.co.nz/marine