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Investigation finds that grounding could have been avoided

An investigation has found the grounding of the 'Manahau' on Carters Beach in August could have been avoided. The company has completed its independent investigation into the incident, led by Tim Burfoot, a former chief investigator for the Transport Accident Investigation Commission. The investigation found that it was fit for purpose, equipped with the necessary capabilities and properly supported by the company's shore-based management team. While the weather and sea conditions had been forecast accurately and sufficient information was available to make informed navigational decisions, the grounding was ultimately avoidable. The findings indicated that better decision-making by the crew at several key points during the incident could have prevented the vessel from running aground. Most of the 11 shipping staff from had now returned home and the 'Manahau' remained docked at Port Nelson. Both the Maritime Union and Merchant Service Guild had voiced concerns about the welfare of the Indonesian/Burmese crew aboard the ship. A repair plan has been submitted to RINA, the international certification body, and the necessary work will take approximately one month once the vessel is in dry dock. Replacement propeller drives will take several months to procure. The WMS Group was deeply disappointed that a preventable event had delayed its plans to export mineral sand direct from the West Coast and it was working to return the 'Manahau' into service. The investigations by Maritime NZ and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission were ongoing.

Barge towed to Port Nelson after salvage

The 'MAnahau' has berthed in Port Nelson oni Sep 7 after being successfully refloated and towed 315 kilometers around Farewell Spit before the offshore towing vessel M'MA Vision' brought it into Tasman Bay with the support of the tug 'Kurutai', which then towed the barge into the port, supported by harbour tugs, while the 'MMA Vision' was released to return to New Plymouth. The Westland Mineral Sands had developed and implemented the plan for the salvage and towing operation under the supervision of Maritime NZ. The Tasman and Nelson Harbour Masters were involved prior to the vessel's arrival to ensure safety and environmental protection. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into the grounding, with a team of investigators inspecting the vessel, recovering the ship's records, interviewing the crew, authorities and any other witnesses. Report with photo: https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/08/manahau-barge-berths-in-nelson-after-successful-refloating/

Barge successfully refloated

The 'Manahau' could be pulled off the Carters Beach on Sep 6. Teams had worked since Sep 1 on preparations for freeing the vessel. Ther salvage operations kicked off in the morning, with a helicopter dropping a tow rope to the tug, which was then attached to the 'Manahau', and shortly before midday, the towing operation began with the incoming tide. At about 12.50 p.m. LT, the barge was successfully refloated. Fresh water, food and supplies were delivered to the crew on board before the efforts began. Salvors used excavators to retrieve the anchors from the vessel and discharged all ballast with which the barge was meade heavier so it remained hard pressed down on the beach. The vessel was stable, the hull remained intact and there were no leaks. The 'Manahau' was then towed to Nelson. The vessel's Class Society will need to inspect and provide assurance that suitable repairs have been made before it can be released. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into the grounding, with a team of investigators inspecting the vessel, recovering the ship's records, interviewing the crew, authorities and any other witnesses. Report with photo and video: https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/06/grounded-manahau-barge-near-westport-successfully-refloated/