Information for the Public
MV Rena
UpdateThe ship ‘MV Rena’ broke apart on Sunday 8th January with further loss of containers overboard and risk of containers, debris and oil coming ashore. Areas most likely to be affected are the coastline from Waihi Beach to Maketu, including Tauranga Harbour and the inshore islands. This area may widen depending on weather and sea conditions. Please see the Maritime New Zealand website for updates and more information. The public health advice previously provided by Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service below this box on this webpage is still applicable but the following is highlighted:
For those with concerns about milk allergies and milk powder on beaches please see the advice provided by Allergy New Zealand. |
For public health advice on this situation, select from the following links:
Lifting of beach access restrictions
Since the Rena grounded on the 5th October 2011 an estimated 350 tonnes of heavy fuel oil has been spilled into the ocean. Some of this oil came ashore on Bay of Plenty beaches in the weeks immediately following the grounding. After extensive beach cleaning operations, access restrictions to beaches that were heavily oiled have been lifted. However, it will be some time before the beach environment returns to a state similar to what it was before the oil spill. The following advice is provided so that the public can minimise any risks should they wish to use the beach.
Current situation
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Previously oiled beaches that have been cleaned may have droplets of residual oil on the beach, in the sand and in the water, and oil may resurface from time to time.
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Residual oil, droplets of oil, and occasional tar balls may be found on beaches and in the water for several months.
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This oil is most likely to be older ‘weathered’ oil. It is mostly a nuisance issue and may cause staining of swimwear and clothes.
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Health effects from contact with occasional droplets of old, weathered oil are likely to be minor but oil could cause irritation of the skin and eyes.
Beach and water use
The designated high use beach areas are regularly cleaned and monitored and provide beach users with more confidence to avoid oil exposure. We recommend that beach users keep to these areas, particularly if they are young children.
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Beach users should exercise caution and try to avoid contact with oil.
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Parents should be vigilant and closely supervise young children. Children playing on and digging in sand, or playing on the rocks, may come into contact with residual oil.
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Avoid and report any visible oil noticed on the beach or in the water.
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Report any contact with oil to the surf lifesavers or 0800 OIL SPILL.
Swimming and surfing advice
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Swimmers and surfers may be exposed to occasional droplets of oil in the water and so should exercise caution.
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For swimmers and surfers there is some risk of oil droplets getting in the eyes, nose, ears and mouth.
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Accidental inhalation of oil droplets when swimming or surfing is unlikely but possible and could be a health risk.
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If you do smell or see oil in the water we suggest you leave the area and report it to the surf lifesavers or 0800 OIL SPILL.
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If you do get oil on your skin or hands clean it off using soap and water.
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If you get oil in your eyes flush it out with clean, fresh water for 15 minutes.
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If you have any concerns after being exposed to oil or have any persistent symptoms (such as eye or skin irritation, or a cough) phone Healthline for advice (0800 611 116).
Finfish and crayfish
Based on sampling and risk assessment advice, finfish and crayfish are now considered safe to eat.
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However, finfish and crayfish should not be taken in an area where visible oil is noticed (and should not be eaten if they have a smell of fuel).
View the Maritime New Zealand website for more information about the lifting of beach access restrictions.
Shellfish, crabs, kina and seaweed
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A shellfish monitoring programme, coordinated by Bay of Plenty Regional Council, has shown that although some samples of shellfish from the most affected shoreline showed traces of hydrocarbon from the oil spill, this has been well below acceptable food safety levels. The amount detected has also fallen during the period since the last significant oiling events. Therefore there is now no appreciable food safety risk from the MV Rena oil spill. However, there is currently a health warning for the coastline from Tairua in the Coromandel to Rogers Road at Pukehina due to sampling which show high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisons, please click here to read the media release.
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Any shellfish, crabs, crayfish, kina and seaweed that has a petrol-like or fuel-like smell should definitely not be eaten. Some taints may become more apparent once they are cooked.
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It is generally not advisable to collect and eat shellfish from beaches and harbours next to built up urban areas or near storm water pipes as these are at more risk of being contaminated by viruses and bacteria.
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Proper handling, storage and cooking of shellfish can further lower the risk of illness from viruses and bacteria, view the Food Safety for Seafood Gatherers booklet.
Oil contact
Do NOT touch anything with oil on it or attempt to clean it up- it is toxic and should not be in direct contact with skin.
If you accidently come into contact with the oil:
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Wash it off with soap and water, baby oil or petroleum jelly.
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Do not use solvents, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel or similar products on your skin.
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Take reasonable precautions to avoid accidental ingestion (wash hands before eating).
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If you get oil on clothing, wash it in the usual way.
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If you get the oil in your eyes, rinse with water for 15 minutes.
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Breathing in the vapour can cause irritation in mouth, nose throat and lungs. Move out of the area as quickly as possible.
If symptoms persist, see your GP or Emergency Department for advice.
Volunteering for beach clean up
If you wish to volunteer, we recommend you do it through the official channels. Please complete the online volunteer oil recovery responders registration form or call 0800 645 774.
While no additional health risk has been identified, we recommend as a general precaution that pregnant or breastfeeding mothers avoid unnecessary exposure and do not assist with any oil clean up.
Useful website links
The following websites have helpful advice and information regarding the Rena Oil Spill response:
Healthline - For free 24-hour health advice within NZ call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
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