Concerns about a possible oil spill in Milford Sound have eased after Environment Southland reported no signs of leakage from Wednesday's crane capsize.
A crane, mounted on a barge, fell sideways on Wednesday, leaving its boom suspended just above water and risking a potential leak of 1800 litres of oil.
About 200 litres of diesel and 24 litres of engine oil were believed to be in the crane, and 1600 litres of hydraulic oil on the barge.
However, Environment Southland yesterday reported there was no evidence any oil had leaked into the Freshwater Basin.
As a precaution, 130m of oil booms were positioned in the water surrounding the crane and barge. Environment Southland regional on-scene commander Dallas Bradley said the situation was helped by calm weather in the area overnight and yesterday.
The crane was stable and had appeared in the same position as when it fell.
The owners of the crane, Smith Crane Construction, planned to bring a second crane to the site to assist, but it is expected it will take days to complete the operation.
Maritime New Zealand and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment are investigating the incident.
