Two Svitzer divers working on board the Rena at Astrolabe Reef have been fired for taking wine from one of the containers on the wreck.

Svitzer salvage spokesman Matt Watson says the two divers from overseas were dismissed immediately after it was learned the wine had been stolen.

View of broken Rena with the stern section missing. Photo: MNZ

He says the amount taken – or drunk – was believed to be a small amount and will be returned or replaced.

Matt does not know if the wine is part of the shipment of 4000 cases of Astrolabe sauvignon blanc that was on the Rena when it struck the Astrolabe Reef.

'It's beyond most people's knowledge why these individuals decided to do this,” says Matt. 'Only they probably know why they acted in this way. They might have thought it was harmless or whatever, but the bottom line is the property on the Rena is private property.

'It's not a free for all where contractors can help themselves to it.”

Matt says word of the divers' action spread quickly, and the men were fired as soon as Svitzer management found out about it.

'They were sent packing very quickly in no uncertain terms.

'Let's not forget this is an extremely high profile operation. Svitzer Salvage prides itself on its global reputation and I hope this demonstrates there is no room whatsoever for this sort of behaviour.

'It's very disappointing, very embarrassing, and let's hope the broader public accepts the actions of two individuals doesn't tarnish the rest of the operation.”

Meanwhile Svitzer is re-mapping the location of the stern section, which moved further down the reef in the storm before Easter.

Salvors have been winched onto the front section, which remains perched on the reef.

Matt says the crane barge, Smit Borneo, should be back on site soon.

'It is important to remember that every time there is a dramatic turn, like the stern section sliding down the reef, it means that everything has to stop and be reassessed. The salvage plan has to be rejigged and it's not something that can happen overnight.”