23/08/2005

Boat fished up

A boat sitting at the bottom of Kawhia Harbour for several weeks has resurfaced.
The salvage follows criticism from Kawhia Community Board regarding the time taken to remove the wreckage.
At a meeting on July 28, board members expressed their dissatisfaction at the handling of the sinking.
They were particularly unhappy at the length of time it had taken to remove the boat and that diesel had leaked into the harbour and washed up near Kawhia wharf.
At the time of the spill there were concerns diesel may have contaminated a nearby oyster farm.
However, commercial divers plugged vents to the tanks and the problem was contained before a significant amount of diesel escaped.
The 48ft  steel launch sunk in rough conditions four weeks ago, although the reason for the sinking still remains unclear.
Local marine contractor Alan Rutherford of Marine Mooring Consultants and his staff utilised heavy lifting equipment aboard the NZ Steel barge to reclaim the sunken vessel.
"NZ Steel was good enough to let us use the equipment to salvage the vessel and they are not looking to reclaim any major costs." said Mr Rutherford.
"We are grateful because without their equipment the boat still would be at the bottom.
"lt"s difficult because the boat was out of sight and very quickly people could forget it was there."
He said factors such as time, weather and the need for heavy lifting equipment delayed the salvage.
Marine Mooring Consultants had initially attempted to raise the boat earlier but, were forced to abandon their efforts when pumping equipment failed to cope.
Mr Rutherford said they had to place the boat back on the seabed and return the following day with 'significantly more pumping capability".
The salvaged boat was eventually cleaned at the wharf and beached so the hull could be inspected.
Because of the extent of damage it is believed the craft may have to be completely stripped.
It is understood it was not insured.
Mr Rutherford said his company, the boat's owners, Environment Waikato and Otorohanga District
Council all agreed on the importance of the salvage and are pleased the boat has been removed from the harbour.
It is understood the owners of the boat are not from the Kawhia district.