Key Takeaways
- A catamaran operated by Black Cat Cruises grounded at Akaroa on Banks Peninsula, requiring the rescue of over 40 people.
- The recovery operation is expected to begin, with the first phase involving fully submerging the catamaran in deep water to prevent further damage.
- The vessel was carrying 2240 litres of marine diesel fuel and 120 litres of other oils, which are believed to have leaked into the water.
- The environment is coping, with oily sheens decreasing over time, and there are no signs of wildlife in distress.
- The exclusion zone around the boat remains in place, and all non-response vessels must keep clear.
- Local tour operators are working to minimize the impact of the incident and continue to offer scenic tours, albeit with some changes to their routes.
Introduction to the Incident
The recovery of a catamaran that grounded at Akaroa on Banks Peninsula is expected to begin, following a dramatic incident on Saturday afternoon. The Black Cat Cruises catamaran was beached at Nīkau Palm Valley Bay, requiring more than 40 people to be rescued. Environment Canterbury said the first phase of the recovery operation, which involves fully submerging the catamaran in deep water to prevent further damage, is expected to get underway. The second phase, which involves removing the vessel from the water, will depend on the weather and safety requirements.
The Recovery Operation
Environment Canterbury is working with the Conservation Department, iwi, and Black Cat Cruises on the recovery and salvage operation. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission will also be investigating the incident. The boat was carrying 2240 litres of marine diesel fuel on board, as well as around 120 litres of other oils in sealed containers and engines. Unfortunately, it is believed that all the fuel on board has leaked into the water, due to the significant damage to the hull. However, Environment Canterbury reports that the environment is coping, with oily sheens decreasing over time, and there are no signs of wildlife in distress.
Impact on Local Tourism
The grounding of the catamaran has had an impact on local tourism, with the exclusion zone around the vessel changing the routes offered by scenic tour operators. Longtime tourism operator, Tony Muir, who runs Coast Up Close, said that the exclusion zone has affected their tours, but they are still able to offer alternative routes. Muir commended the crew of the Black Cat Cruises catamaran for getting everyone off safely, and said that accidents can happen to anyone. He also helped with the clean-up efforts, picking up debris and rubbish that had floated off the vessel.
Response from Local Tour Operators
Fellow tour operator, Roy Borelli of Fox II Sailing Adventures, was one of the first on the scene on Saturday and offered assistance. He said that seeing the vessel listing was distressing, but believed that the catamaran ran itself aground to prevent it from sinking further. Borelli said that there is still plenty of wildlife outside of the exclusion zone, and that they are able to offer alternative routes to their customers. He said that the incident has not deterred them from operating, and that they are still able to offer a great experience to their customers.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The recovery of the catamaran is expected to be a complex and challenging operation, requiring careful planning and execution. Environment Canterbury and the other agencies involved are working to minimize the impact of the incident and prevent further damage to the environment. The exclusion zone around the vessel will remain in place until the recovery operation is complete, and all non-response vessels must keep clear. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and environmental protection in the tourism industry, and the need for operators to be prepared for emergencies.
