Two divers who were part of the salvage crew of the ill-fated MV Rena were fired recently after having wine inside one of the ship's large containers.

Svitzer Salvage, the agency that manages manpower for salvage teams, told the New Zealand Herald the two were "dismissed immediately" as soon as it learned of the incident.

The diving tandem, believed to be Dutch, were part of an elite salvage team earning up to $2,300 each a day for their services.

Svitzer spokesman Matthew Watson told the Herald it did not matter how much wine was taken, but the offence was so grave that it had to be acted upon immediately.

"My understanding is that it wasn't a great amount. It's also not clear if the wine was returned or replaced, but either way, it will be returned or replaced. The bottom line is that what has happened is totally unacceptable."

Mr Watson further said the offence is not something that Svitzer can or will tolerate.

"There is absolutely no room for this sort of behaviour, and Svitzer dealt with it on the spot, in the most decisive way possible."

Asked how he learned of the theft, Mr Watson said the incident was brought to Svitzer's attention internally.

Mr Watson could not tell Herald whether the divers would face charges in court.