Cargo ship Rena breaks up off New Zealand

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/08/cargo-ship-rena-breaks-new-zealand


The container ship Rena sits on a reef after it broke in two after being battered by waves the previous night off the coast of New Zealand. Photograph: Handout/Reuters

A container ship grounded on a reef off the east coast of New Zealand's North Island succumbed to stormy weather on Saturday night and broke into two parts, releasing cargo into the water and prompting fears of a new oil spill.

Three months after the Rena sailed in calm conditions directly on to the Astrolabe reef, 12 miles from Tauranga harbour, the vessel's stern section was torn from the bow, having been battered by swells of up to seven metres.

Officials from Maritime New Zealand predicted that the rear part of the vessel was likely to sink, which could lead to a fresh oil slick. The front section remains precariously grafted to the reef.

Forecasts suggest the worst of the weather is likely to have passed, but heavy seas are expected for the next three to four days.