Attempts to move the boat to deeper waters to protect its structural integrity were stopped on Monday because the hull had settled firmly on a large rock.<\/p>\n
The regional council\u2019s on-scene commander, Emma Parr, said staff had made every effort to retrieve hazardous and loose material from the wreck, while monitoring its stability.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe continue to work with the salvage team to oversee and guide alternative options for the most effective and timely recovery of Black Cat,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur focus remains on reducing environmental impacts and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
The boat was carrying 2240 litres of marine diesel fuel and around 120 litres of other oils in sealed containers and engines combined.<\/p>\n
Retired Otago University professor and biologist Liz Slooten said nearby Hector\u2019s dolphins could be exposed to diesel pollution if it was not cleaned up quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cDiesel will get into their eyes, diesel and other oils that come out of the vessel,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will get into their lungs by inhaling the fumes, which tend to accumulate close to the water surface because it\u2019s heavier than normal air. That\u2019s exactly where these dolphins are breathing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen they eat contaminated fish, it will get into their digestive system.\u201d<\/p>\n
Parr said the council was monitoring any immediate effects on the environment or wildlife and that fuel had rapidly dispersed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have not observed any immediate impacts on the environment or wildlife,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Research had been done on the effects of oil and diesel spills on dolphins and showed they led to a range of serious health effects, including lung disease and adrenal gland problems, Slooten said.<\/p>\n
She called on authorities to be more proactive when responding to emergencies.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seems that each time something like this happens, basically everybody stands around going, \u2018oh my goodness, what are we going to do now\u2019. We need a plan up front, rather than waiting for a disaster to happen and then trying to figure out what to do about it. That is obviously not effective,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n