The barge that's been stuck on a Westport beach for almost a week is finally on the move today.
The Westland Mineral Sands barge ran aground over the weekend.
Teams had worked since Sunday towards freeing the vessel.
Salvage operations kicked off this morning, with a helicopter seen dropping a tow rope to the tug vessel.
The rope was then attached to the Manahau — and shortly before midday, the tugging started.
The barge could be seen moving off the beach as locals gathered to watch on.
Grounded barge near Westport: Refloating plan 'on track'
"The weather is good, the tides are favourable," a Westland Mineral Sands spokesperson said.
New Zealand
Wed, Sep 4
Hopes to refloat grounded Manahau barge this week
Manahau, a Westland Mineral Sands barge, ran aground at Carters Beach about midnight Saturday during a storm.
New Zealand
Mon, Sep 2
2:19
Oil experts join response team to refloat Manahau barge
Maritime New Zealand said oil response experts were working with local authorities on environmental protection plans in the event of any spill during a refloating.
New Zealand
Tue, Sep 3
2:19
It wasn't yet clear whether the attempt had been successful.
"Westland Mineral Sands has engaged an independent expert to help us understand how this incident occurred," a Westland Mineral Sands spokesperson said earlier this week.
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