Rescue Tug Reaches Tanker Stranded For A Week Off New Zealand’s South Coast

A rescue tug has reached the product tanker Golden Mind, which has been stranded near Stewart Island, south of New Zealand’s South Island, since September 10, 2025.

Maritime authorities say the crew is safe, no distress calls were made, and the tow operation will begin once weather conditions improve.

The Golden Mind, a 12,488 dwt tanker registered in Panama and owned by a Japanese company, is 124 meters (407 feet) long and was built in 2020.

The vessel departed the port of Bluff on September 9, bound for Timaru on the east coast of the South Island, but experienced steering difficulties west of Stewart Island, causing it to become stranded.

The tanker’s owners contracted the ocean-going tug MMA Vision to assist. MMA Vision, which is normally under contract as a rescue tug for Cook Strait ferries, left Wellington on Thursday and reached the tanker on Monday morning.

Maritime New Zealand emphasised that the tow is a commercial arrangement between the tanker’s owners and the tug, not an official rescue operation.

The Golden Mind had recently sailed from Risdon, Australia, to Bluff, New Zealand, before the incident. Despite being stranded, the crew remained on board and there were no distress calls. Maritime New Zealand confirmed that the crew is safe.

Weather conditions are currently delaying the tow, with gale-force winds affecting the region. Meteorological stations on Rakiura reported strong winds on Monday. Authorities said the tug will attach a line and begin towing the vessel to Timaru when the weather allows.

Reference: rnz

Source: Maritime Shipping News