AUKLAND, New Zealand, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Pumping oil off the wrecked cargo ship Rena will resume Thursday after bad weather subsides, New Zealand salvage workers said Wednesday.
A salvage crew feared the ship -- which ran aground a reef Oct. 5, spilling oil off the coast of Tauranga -- would deteriorate during heavy ocean swells, The (Auckland) New Zealand Herald reported.
"Salvors will recommence pumping when weather and swell conditions allow this to be done safely," said Andrew Berry, salvage unit manager.
Meanwhile, Tauranga District Court Judge Robert Wolff decided the identities of the Rena's two officers would remain secret for their safety. The captain's lawyer said his client -- who is charged with operating a vessel causing unnecessary danger or risk to a person or property -- should be kept safe.
"I'm simply asking that the orders continue until such time that the heat goes out of this and then we can review them, but now is the wrong time sir," said lawyer Paul Mabey.
