MV Rena

The MV Rena was a container ship that ran aground on the Astrolabe Reef off the coast of Tauranga, New Zealand, on 5 October 2011. The vessel was en route from Napier to Tauranga when the accident occurred.

The grounding of the Rena resulted in a significant environmental disaster, releasing an estimated 350 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the Bay of Plenty. This oil contamination affected numerous beaches and marine ecosystems, including sensitive wildlife habitats. Cleanup efforts involved thousands of volunteers and significant resources.

Salvage operations were undertaken to remove the remaining oil and cargo from the wreck. The ship eventually broke apart in heavy weather in January 2012, further complicating the salvage process.

The incident led to legal proceedings and convictions related to the ship's officers. The long-term environmental impact of the Rena grounding continues to be monitored and assessed. The wreck itself remains on the Astrolabe Reef, though portions have been removed or dispersed by natural forces.