High seas yesterday halted efforts to salvage a trawler that ran aground on Banks Peninsula on Friday.
Winds gusting up to 74km/h also frustrated checks on the environmental threat from diesel and oil stored on the Bronny G.
Skipper Archie Laird and his two crewmen scrambled onto rocks after the trawler crashed on the coastline at 3am.
They were later airlifted out by helicopter.
The Environment Canterbury regional harbourmaster, Captain Robin Keer-Keer, said it was inevitable the boat would be breaking up, increasing the pollution risk from the 2000 litres of diesel and an unknown quantity of oil on board.
The cause of the grounding, in an area known for its treacherous conditions, is unknown.
A Maritime Safety Authority inquiry will start this week.
- NZPA
Wind blocks salvage bid for grounded trawler
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