Efforts to remove a submerged Black Cat Cruises vessel from waters off Akaroa have been temporarily suspended after recovery teams were unable to move the wreck into deeper water.
In an update issued on Monday afternoon, Environment Canterbury said crews had attempted phase one of a two-stage removal operation, but the vessel's hull had settled hard on a large rock, preventing it from being moved.
The setback comes as forecast bad weather over the next two days has forced recovery efforts to be paused.
Environment Canterbury said all possible steps had been taken to retrieve hazardous and loose materials from the wreck, with teams continuing debris collection and environmental monitoring in the area.
"All parties involved continue to be committed to the removal of the wreck, in its entirety, from this sensitive area," the update said.
An exclusion zone around the site remained in place, with water users urged to respect the restrictions to ensure the safety of responders and the public.
Dozens of passengers and crew were rescued after the tourist vessel grounded in the Akaroa Harbour on Saturday. No injuries were reported.
Preliminary assessments carried out on Monday found the vessel has sustained "more significant damage than first anticipated", with officials now believing the entire amount of marine diesel fuel on board was likely released into the sea.
Environment Canterbury said it was working closely alongside iwi partners, the Department of Conservation, the vessel owner, and a specialist salvage team to progress a safe and coordinated rescue operation.
"This is a complex operation, and we appreciate the support of all agencies and the local community as we work through the safest approach," said regional on-scene commander Emma Parr.
Current plans involved a two-phase recovery process. Phase one would involve moving the vessel into deeper water, where it would be submerged to prevent further structural damage from wind and sea conditions.
Phase two would then lift and remove the vessel entirely from the area, with timing dependent on weather, sea conditions, and safety requirements.
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