New Zealand's officials are preparing for the worst environmental disaster in the country’s history after the container ship MV Rena ran aground 12 nautical miles off the coast on Wednesday. Authorities are underway to remove 2,000 tonnes of oil from the vessel. It was reported that 20-30 tonnes of oil have been spilled into the Bay of Plenty, near port of Tauranga, one of the country's most spectacular coastlines and top tourist destinations. If the ship breaks up, 1,700 tonnes of heavy fuel could be released into an area that is home to various animals, including penguins, whales, dolphins and seals and so on.
The operation to extract the oil from the ship is estimated to last two days and the New Zealand oil spill operation could be delayed by bad weather. The MV Rena has been listing violently to one side since it became trapped. Fortunately, none of the 25 crew members have been injured. Here are some photos of the New Zealand oil spill:
Oil leaks from the Liberian container vessel MV Rena causes a slick that has spread over 5km
An oil-soaked penguin found on the beach is rescued and washed in a makeshift camp in Tauranga
According to the government agency, several other blue penguins and shag birds are being treated after being rescued on Friday, while some other oil-soaked and dead birds have been found near the ship.
The container ship MV Rena ran aground 12 nautical miles off Tauranga
Carrying 2,100 containers, MV Rena lists to the port side after running aground
A helicopter sprays dispersant onto the oil slicks in order to accelerate the process of natural dispersion
Oil from the stranded ship has begun covering the beach at Mount Manguanui
A man looks toward the stranded ship from Mount Maunganui beach
Two oil-covered penguins are rescued at the wildlife rehabilitation facility set up at Tauranga
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