There are fears of an oil spill after a fishing vessel ran aground near Holmes Wharf in Oamaru Harbour last night.
Otago Regional Council says so far there has been no sign of any impact on wildlife after the Jane Marie ran aground in Oamaru Harbour. Photo: Otago Regional Council
The owner of the boat is sending a salvage diver to locate and isolate the fuel tanks, which will hopefully prevent further leaking.
The Jane Marie hit rocks around 9.10pm yesterday, and police said the two people aboard were uninjured and managed to get off safely.
Otago Regional Council said there has been large surf and strong winds with an incoming tide which could result in the vessel breaking up.
It said it is a particularly sensitive environment and staff trained in oil spill response are at the scene and special equipment has been deployed.
So far there has been no sign of any impact on wildlife, the Otago Regional Council on-scene commander, Scott MacLean said.
The council said it is liaising with the Department of Conservation and have informed Maritime New Zealand.
