A barge that grounded on Carters Beach near Westport was successfully refloated and towed to Nelson after a week-long salvage operation. The vessel had run aground just before midnight on the previous Saturday and was refloated on Friday, completing a 170 nautical mile (315 kilometre) journey to safety.

The barge was towed along South Island’s West Coast, rounded Farewell Spit, and was brought into Tasman Bay by the offshore towing/support vessel MMA Vision, with the tug Kurutai providing additional support. Kurutai then towed the barge into Port Nelson, assisted by harbour tugs, while MMA Vision was released to return to New Plymouth.

Westland Mineral Sands, the operator of the vessel, worked alongside their salvage team to develop and execute the salvage and towing plans. The operation was overseen by Maritime NZ, with input from Tasman and Nelson Harbour Masters to ensure safety and environmental protection ahead of the barge’s arrival in Nelson.

Maritime NZ National Maritime Controller Andrew Saunderson said they were pleased the vessel had made the journey safely and was now secured in port. “We want to thank everyone who has been involved for their efforts,” said Saunderson.

Maritime NZ led the government response to the incident, monitoring the salvage operations. The response team will now stand down, with the vessel being detained by Maritime NZ regulatory operations while an investigation into the grounding continues.