Costamare, the Greek shipping company that owns the MV Rena, has apologized through its managing director to the people of New Zealand, particularly the locals of Tauranga, over the devastating effects of its vessel's crash on Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga.

"We want to say that we are deeply sorry for the situation that has arisen and the threat you are now facing from fuel oil from the vessel washing up on the beaches in your beautiful part of the world," Diamantis Manos said in a video.

"It is our ship that went aground and we apologise without hesitation for what has happened."

Asked for reaction, Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby believed the video apology was not good enough and said: "I think the chief executive should come here to our city."

Filipino authorities yesterday sent home 11 of the crew of the cargo vessel, leaving only six in Tauranga, including the captain and navigational officer, who are facing court charges.

Shipping agent Mike Hodgin, who has been taking care of the Filipino Rena crew since they evacuated their ship after it struck the reef in Bay of Plenty, said the Philippine Embassy was helping to send them home.

"Only six are left. We cannot say where they are, to protect their safety," Hodgin said Thursday, referring to the swelling anger amid the environmental disaster that was the massive oil spill.

Philippines Embassy minister and consul Giovanni Palec remains in Tauranga to assist the remaining crew members.

"Those who have been determined to have no role in the grounding of Rena have been repatriated," he said, adding that he is concerned over the perceived negative sentiments against the Filipinos.

"The incident is an environmental disaster that has caused uproar, but people should understand that no one had wanted it to happen... We are concerned that it has given rise to negative perceptions on some Filipinos living here."

NZ Herald reports that members of the Tauranga Filipino community say they are feeling the wrath of locals outraged by the disaster, and there is a growing anti-Filipino sentiment over the reef crash.

Meanwhile, the Australian Maritime and Safety Authority has been helping the Maritime New Zealand in its clean-up efforts after the environmental disaster that could be the worst in New Zealand.

Duncan Gay, New South Wales port minister said technical personnel and equipment from NSW Maritime and the Sydney Ports Corporation are also helping out.

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