Oil from stranded ship reaches beach

The Liberia-flagged Rena struck the Astrolabe Reef about 14 miles from Tauranga Harbour last week and has been foundering there since.

The 775ft ship has been leaking fuel, leading to fears it could cause an environmental disaster if it falls apart. Fist-sized clumps of oil were found at Mount Maunganui beach, a favourite spot for surfers.

The agency believes the ship has about 1,700 tons of oil and 200 tons of diesel on board. So far, an estimated 30 tons have leaked into the Bay of Plenty, a spot noted for its fishing, diving and aquatic wildlife.

Heavy swells and gale-force winds were forecast to hit the area today and last for a few days.