The MMA Vision from New Plymouth pulled her out to sea. The tug will tow the barge to Nelson, accompanied by a smaller tug, the Kurutai, from Napier.
“They just started the big red tug, we heard the engines start, the smoke came up, a bit of tension on the rope, we heard a creak from the barge and it just slowly started moving,” said photographer Sheree Cargill, who was among a couple of hundred locals watching the salvage.
Barge owner Westland Mineral Sands (WMS) said the refloating was achieved without harm to the crew or the environment.
In a statement, WMS said the specialist operation started at low tide around 6.30am, delivering fresh water, food, and supplies to the 11 crew on board the barge.
Salvage operators used excavators to retrieve the Manahau’s anchors from the vessel. They also discharged all ballast (extra weight added to the boat to weigh it 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,” the statement said.
“The MMA Vision moved into position, 1250 metres from the Manahau, with a heavy braided tow rope laid out on its deck.
“The Blackhawk helicopter hovered over the Vision, attaching one end of the tow rope to its lifting hook and flew the other end for attachment to the Manahau.
“The captain of the MMA Vision waited for the incoming tide to bring more water under the barge, slowly took up the strain of the tow rope and gently pulled the Manahau off the beach to safety,” the statement said.
The vessel was stable, the hull intact and there were no leaks.
“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 statement said.
Managing director Ray Mudgway said: “Westland Mineral Sands would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the local community for their understanding throughout this event. We have received countless messages of support, and we are extremely grateful.
“We would also like to thank Maritime New Zealand and other local authorities, and the salvage operator for their incredible work.
“From the night the Manahau ran aground at Carters Beach we have pulled together the best resources and the best recovery team available in New Zealand to run a world class operation with no risk to the crew or to the environment. And they delivered.”
The barge grounded during a thunderstorm about midnight last Saturday. During the week it’s been battered by high seas. The two propellors it relies on for steering sheared off.
To try and keep it stable, its two anchors were buried on the beach and it was tethered to seven five-tonne blocks of concrete.
Both Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) and the Transport Accident Safety Commission have launched investigations into the incident. MNZ told The News its investigation could take up to a year to complete.
WMS has launched its own investigation.
MNZ said it would continue to monitor the next phase of the barge’s tow to Nelson.
On-scene commander Mick Courtnell said it was pleasing to see the Manahau leave Carters Beach.
“We’d like to thank everyone involved in the operation,” Mr Courtnell said. “It has been well managed so far in sometimes difficult conditions. The Manahau’s owner and operator has worked well with Maritime NZ, Buller District Council and Westport Regional Council, which has been very helpful.”
MNZ said the vessel’s Class Society would need to inspect it and provide assurance that suitable repairs had been made before it could be released.
MNZ has had about 10 people on the ground in Westport and a larger team supporting out of Wellington including the national maritime controller.
Article Written By Lee Scanlon / Westport News
Originally published in the Westport News | Republished with consent
