Feb 09 - Recovery of the Former HMNZS Tui's Anchor
On 11th February HMNZS MANAWANUI sailed from Devonport with the Operational Dive Team ODT) embarked.
Destination: Tutukaka.
Task: To recover the anchor of the former HMNZS TUI.
Jeroen Jongejans, Managing Director of Dive Tutukaka, had initiated the project to see the anchor placed on the shore as a commemoration to the ship’s sinking 10 years ago. MANAWANUI arrived on the scene early in the evening and were met by Jeroen who embarked and gave some further information on the location, seabed type and depths the ODT could expect. After a tricky anchoring procedure the dive team got straight down to work. The task progressed well with the anchor being cut from the chain relatively easily. The difficulty then came when the attempt was made to float the anchor. First one, then two, finally three float bags were attached to it – a combined lifting weight of 3 tons (the anchor weighs 1.6 tons) but the seabed kept its grip. By now it was 0200 Thursday and the ship’s company and the divers were exhausted. The decision was made to leave the site and recover during daylight hours.
Image Right: TUI's anchor is transferred to Dive Tutukaka (WN 09-0052-03).
MANAWANUI remained underway overnight and at 1000 Thursday, utilising the ship’s unique TELMEC anchoring system, the ship was positioned exactly over the submerged anchor. The ODT re-entered the water using the dive bell and with the divers and the ship’s crane, the sea finally gave up its treasure and TUI’s anchor broke the surface. It was a great moment for all as we looked at the barnacle coated piece of history. The operation had taken 5 hours and once it was on board, MANAWANUI anchored for the evening in the lee of the Whangarei Heads to shelter from the strengthening northerly wind.
Friday dawned with sunshine and light winds and MANAWANUI weighed anchor and sailed back up the coast to Tutukaka to transfer the anchor to Dive Tutukaka. After a carefully executed pilotage through the narrow inlet of Tutukaka Harbour, the ship was met by the Dive Tutukaka boat and the anchor was transferred without any difficulties. All in all, this was a very successful operation and one that was a privilege to be involved in.