AITO NUI

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Latest news

Tug refloated grounded longliner

The Chinese longliner 'Ping Tai Rong 316' (MMSI: 45526363) ran aground on the morning of Feb 19, 2025, at the exit of the port of Papeete, on the airport side, opposite the Hilton hotel, surprised by the swell and the reef bordering the pass. The vessel ended up on a shoal where the draft does not exceed two meter. The 16 crew members on board were safe and sound, and no pollution has been observed. Two patrol boats along with the 'Aito Nui' quickly intervened to free the ship. The 'Pingtairong 316' was then towed to the oil tanker dock. During the operation, several boats had to wait offshore before being able to cross the pass, including the 'Aranui'. The tuna boat was to undergo a technical inspection, ordered by the State Maritime Affairs Service (Seam) and the autonomous port, in order to ensure that it can return to sea safely. Reports with photos and video: https://www.tahiti-infos.com/Un-thonier-chinois-remorque-apres-son-echouage-dans-la-passe-de-Papeete_a228948.html https://www.radio1.pf/echouement-du-thonier-chinois-conditions-meteo-ou-delabrement-des-bateaux/

Tug towing decommissioned freighter to scuttling position

The French cargo m/v "Kura Ora II", 1113 gt (IMO: 7813391), was towed out of the port of Papeete in the morning of Jan 11, 2019, to be sunk after several months of cleanup. The tug "Aito Nui" was towing the ship to its final destination. The "Kura Ora II", of which the owner company was placed in liquidation in 2016, has long served the Tuamotu archipelago. Between February and December the hull was prepared for sinking. French report with photos: https://www.radio1.pf/le-kura-ora-ii-tracte-au-large-pour-immersion/