Tuesday 10 April 2018

Timaru Port Fire

A fire on an 80-metre fishing ship in Timaru Port is contained.

PrimePort Acting Chief Executive Nick Donaldson said: “As the fire is contained on the vessel now, the plan is to let it burn out. PrimePort is now also working through options to resume normal operations. We are working with Environment Canterbury and Fire Emergency New Zealand to deal with hazards, and to minimise environmental harm.”

Environment Canterbury Senior Manager Service Delivery Nick Daniels said Environment Canterbury was notified at 9.30pm on Monday. Staff from the Harbourmaster’s office travelled to Timaru at the request of PrimePort to assist with operations.

“The focus of the Harbourmaster is port safety,” said Mr Daniels. “Staff from the Harbourmaster’s office worked with PrimePort to ensure that all vessels in the port area were safe and the vessel itself was not a hazard to port operations.”

Once the fire is extinguished, Environment Canterbury will work with PrimePort to manage environmental risks associated with the subsequent salvage operation.

“At this time, with the fire is contained within the vessel, there are no immediate environmental risks,” continued Mr Daniels.

A further update will be issued after noon.

ENDS

© Scoop Media