An ocean-going rescue tug has arrived at the stranded product tanker, Golden Mind, located south of New Zealand’s South Island. Maritime New Zealand is overseeing the situation and reports that while there is no immediate danger, the towing operation will need to wait for a break in the current severe weather conditions.
The Golden Mind, a Japanese-owned product tanker with a deadweight tonnage of 12,488, has been immobilized near Stewart Island since September 10. According to AIS signals, the vessel departed Bluff, New Zealand, on September 9, en route to Timaru, where it was scheduled to arrive on Saturday. The tanker, registered in Panama and measuring 407 feet in length, was built in 2020 and experienced steering difficulties, prompting the owners to contract the tug MMA Vision for assistance.
MMA Vision is under contract with Maritime New Zealand as a rescue tug for emergencies involving Cook Strait ferries, but authorities clarified that this tow is a private commercial arrangement. Notably, the Golden Mind had not issued a distress call, and its crew remains aboard the vessel as gale-force winds continue to affect the region. The timing of the towing operation will depend on the weather, with plans to transport the tanker to Timaru on the South Island’s east coast.
