Condition Rena Worsens

The condition of the vessel Rena, stranded on a New Zealand reef nearly a month ago, has worsened. Authorities still fear the cargo ship will break apart soon, due to high winds and water swells.

Salvage crews have been in a continuous battle to remove oil from the Rena to prevent it from leaking into the ocean. Crews removed more than 1,100 tons of oil before bad weather halted efforts on Sunday. About 350 tons of oil has leaked into the sea up to now.

 

The ship has been stranded since 5 October. The reef is about 23 kilometres from Tauranga Harbour on North Island. It remains on the reef and there are fears it could break up with still more than 300 tonnes of heavy fuel oil in tanks on the ship. Maritime New Zealand said on Tuesday a barge attached to the ship's stern will drag the vessel to shallower water if it breaks apart.