Staff at Environment Canterbury continue to monitor the grounded fishing vessel in Banks Peninsula, but are still unable to gauge how much fuel remains on board.

Austro Carina, a 25-metre fishing vessel owned and operated by Lyttelton-based Pegasus Fishing Limited, ran aground at Red Bluff on the south coast of Banks Peninsula on Sunday.

All four crew were recovered by helicopter on Sunday night.

An ECan spokesperson told Chris Lynch Media that because of the unfavourable weather in the area, staff are completing a shoreline assessment of Shell Bay and the vessel via drone. 

“This assessment confirms that there is currently no diesel on the water observed, no diesel odour (with an onshore wind) and no signs of oiling along the shoreline,” the spokesperson said. 

“Observations of the vessel determine that there is an audible grinding noise getting more persistent, is holding its position (maintaining a rolling motion with the swell), with waves now breaking over the entire vessel at once. The vessel remains in one piece. Next steps to recovery will be known over the coming days when there is an ability to observe from the water to assess and create a salvage plan,” they said.

ECan continues to plan and prepare for a physical response to the oil impacts. “We also continue to monitor and assess the site via aerial observations, shoreline assessments and wildlife monitoring. There are no signs of affected or distressed wildlife. Our team are preparing a wildlife response plan that includes mobilisation, capture and rehabilitation options as required.”

A silver sheen (diesel) has been identified on the water around the vessel but appears to be dispersing due to high energy wave action.

On land observations show there has been no impact on the surrounding bays, and no sightings of oiled wildlife to date.