Boat sinking in Marlborough Sounds triggers oil spill response

The 56-foot launch Padrone, which sank near the Waitaria Bay jetty in Kenepuru Sound on Tuesday, has been refloated. A salvage team and divers used water pumps and lift bags to bring the vessel to the surface on Wednesday afternoon. Once the boat is floating, a fuel transfer to remove the diesel is scheduled for Thursday.

The vessel was carrying 2000 litres of diesel and 60 litres of engine oil when it became partially submerged. On-scene commander Pete Hamill reported that less than five litres of oil had leaked, and the spill was contained by booms. The shallow water prevented the tank breathers from being submerged, meaning most of the leaked substance was bilge oil.

The harbourmaster's response team arrived at the scene at 3.30pm on Tuesday after receiving a call at 11am. They deployed absorbent booms and a rapid deployment boom to contain any potential spill. The Waitaria Bay jetty remained open throughout the incident.

The cause of the sinking is currently unknown. Once the vessel is properly assessed, divers will investigate why the boat sank.

How it developed

• Wed 30 Sep, 3:14pmThe boat is being refloated with the help of airbags and water pumps, with a fuel transfer planned for Thursday.
• Wed 30 Sep, 4:39pmThe vessel has been successfully refloated and it was confirmed that less than five litres of oil leaked.

Where reports differ

• One report describes the vessel as 52 feet long, while others state it is 56 feet

Compiled from reports by 1News, Stuff, The Press and RNZ.