The 'RENA', tragedy in New Zealand

[trikikiwi]

Someone recently drove their big boat onto one of our ex-exsquisite reef structures, off one of our major tourist beaches.

The end result is inevitable.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/5...ld-break-up-PM

I lived, for 2 years, in Tauranga, as a youngster in the mid 60's and learned to body surf, the surf, at Mt Maunganui.
This is too close to home to ignore, for me.

There are lots of questions to be answered.
Such as, how could it happen?

Cheers to all, Mike

[Felinepeachy]

That's just heartbreaking.

[trikikiwi]

Thanks for your comment Peachy
It is heartbreaking, but I appreciate it pales into insignificance in relation to your Gulf oil disaster

Assuming the authorities nail the blame for this, on any particular person/people - how do you justfully punish someone for causing so much destruction? To my mind, any punishment seems meaningless.

Cheers, Mike

[Real de Tayopa Tropical Tramp]

very interesting reading triki: I am curious what is the maritime law that they can be prosecuted on?

Don Jose de La Mancha

[trikikiwi]

Kia ora, Don Jose.
I quote,
The Rena's navigation officer has been released on bail after appearing in the Tauranga District Court today.

The man was granted interim name suppression for his own safety by Judge Robert Wolff and was due to reappear in court on October 19.

He faces charges under section 65 of the Maritime Act for "operating a vessel in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk".
http://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/r...leased-on-bail

The Resource Management Act 1991, is also very likely to be referred to.

This is an easy site to search for our local legislation - feel free
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/searchquick.aspx

Cheers and Regards, Mike

[Felinepeachy]

Bottom line is, it doesn't matter who is to blame, the devastation can never be repaired, at least not in our lifetime. It is just so sad. It's like a horrible wildfire that destroys a forest and it's wildlife inhabitants. It's heartbreaking.

[Ray S S]

Wow!!! That was terrible. And such an awful load on it. It would be pretty scarey being on there with those cracks
in the side. Such an awful loss.

Thanks for sharing.

Ray

[trikikiwi]

Cheers Ray
Your interest is appreciated.

An update here

http://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/r...-pumping-today

An unfortunate side affect of the disaster; because the Captain and (most?) crew are Filipinos,
in the districts local to the wreck, any Filipinos are copping abuse from some local folks.

This sort of behaviour is not typical of New Zealand, at all and it appals me to read of such cr@p.
I have started a new job recently and I have the pleasure of working with many Filipinos, many more than I have already worked with and made great friends with.
Cheers, Mike