The Funing to be towed into Port of Tauranga for repairs
The log carrier involved in an incident at Port of Tauranga last week, Funing, will complete a towage trial this morning before being towed into the port later today to begin repairs, Maritime New Zealand said.
An additional offshore tug, Pacific Runner, has arrived in Tauranga to assist with the tow.
Further investigation and repairs will begin once the vessel has berthed. These could take up to 14 days, before Funing is able to continue with the planned voyage to China.
All 20 crew will remain on board, where they are safe and comfortable.
At about 12.30am on Monday 6 July 2020, Funing suffered an engine failure while leaving the port with a Port of Tauranga maritime pilot on board. Without power it could not steer and while drifting due to the wind and tide it snagged the chains holding a buoy marking the shipping channel. The tide and current then pushed it to the other side of the channel, where it stopped near Mauao (Mount Maunganui). Port of Tauranga tugs came to its aid, towing it to deeper water and the safe anchorage where it has remained since. Dive inspections have identified damage to the propeller and rudder.
Maritime NZ says it continues investigation into this incident and will be providing support to Port of Tauranga, the local harbourmaster and Funing’s owners.
Maritime New Zealand (New Zealand Maritime Safety Authority) is a state maritime safety authority responsible for safety, security and environmental protection of New Zealand’s seas, rivers and lakes.
