A thought on the container ship threatening to break up off NZ.

[TheMadMonk]

(and any other such ship in similar circumstances.)

If it breaks up, the load is lost regardless. So...

Use hydraulic jacks to push containers over the side into the water. Drag clear before they fill with water and sink. Absent major structural damage, it should be possible to float the boat clear.

[ellisonz]

1. That's the basic plan.

Maritime New Zealand said that a barge had begun pumping fuel from the stricken ship, but that work was called off in order to keep crews safe from heavy swells and gale-force winds forecast to hit the area. The operation is expected to last at least two more days once it resumes.

Salvage experts and naval architects are on board to monitor the ship, and sensors should indicate if the ship is in danger of breaking apart, the agency said.

“The top priority is to first remove the oil, then lighten the vessel by removing the containers, and finally, move the ship off the reef,” it said.

About 200 people are working on the operation, and New Zealand’s defense force has about 300 people standing by in case major beach cleanups are needed.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/oil-to-be-pumped-from-leaking-container-ship-stuck-on-new-zealand-reef/2011/10/09/gIQADePQXL_story.html?wprss=rss_world