Kevin Judkins 120 Days at Astrolabe Reef MV Rena salvage in 2011

As part of our Tales of the Sea talks, we’re excited to welcome Kevin Judkins , retired Master Mariner and author of 120 Days at Astrolabe: The Rena, the Reef & the Go Canopus, share his first-hand experiences.

In October 2011, the Rena ran aground on Astrolabe Reef — a disaster that became New Zealand’s worst maritime environmental tragedy. At the time, the $500 million (NZ) salvage operation was the most expensive in maritime history.

Kevin spent 4 months aboard the GO Canopus, a vital vessel in the primary salvage phase, and will take us behind the scenes of the massive rescue, oil spill response, and salvage operation.

This is a rare opportunity to hear from someone who lived through one of the most challenging maritime salvage efforts of our time. ⚓️

You may also like the following events from Whangarei Maritime Festival:

• Next month, 10th October, 05:00 pm, Boatyard challenge in Vergennes
• Next month, 11th October, 12:00 am, Whangarei Maritime Festival 2025 in Whangarei
• Next month, 11th October, 12:15 am, Ocean Adventures – A life at sea in Whangarei

Also check out other Arts events in Whangarei, Literary Art events in Whangarei.