According to RNZ, a rescue tug has successfully arrived at the product tanker Golden Mind, which has been immobilized near Stewart Island since September 10, 2025.
Maritime officials have confirmed that the crew aboard is safe and did not issue any distress signals. The operation to tow the vessel will commence once weather conditions improve.
The Golden Mind is a Panamanian-registered tanker with a deadweight tonnage of 12,488 and measures 124 meters (407 feet) in length. Built in 2020 and owned by a Japanese firm, it set sail from Bluff on September 9 en route to Timaru but encountered steering issues west of Stewart Island that left it stranded.
The owners of the tanker enlisted the help of MMA Vision, an ocean-going tug typically contracted for rescue operations involving Cook Strait ferries. After departing Wellington on Thursday, MMA Vision reached its destination early Monday morning.
It’s important to note that Maritime New Zealand clarified this towing effort is part of a commercial agreement between the vessel’s owners and the tug service rather than an official rescue mission.
Prior to this incident, Golden Mind had completed its journey from Risdon in Australia to Bluff without complications. Despite being stranded for several days now, all crew members remain onboard unharmed.
The ongoing tow operation faces delays due to severe weather conditions affecting the area; gale-force winds have been reported by meteorological stations on Rakiura. Authorities anticipate that once conditions stabilize, MMA Vision will secure a line and begin towing operations towards Timaru.
