Oil spreads to the shore, storms threaten stranded ships at sea

Oil spill from a containter super ship that ran aground off New Zealand today spread to shore, while rescue groups attempted to stabilize the ship before a storm was expected to enter the area.

The New Zealand maritime agency (MNZ) said Rena's oil tracks were discovered on Mount Maunganui, one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations, on the North Island.

Officials closed the beach and warned people to avoid touching oil stains. Local people describe them with a strong smell of gasoline.

The containter Rena was stranded off New Zealand.

Rena ship has crashed into Astrolabe reef, about 22km from Port of Tauranga, on October 5. The ship caused oil leakage more than 5km along the coast.

Sailors are trying to pump oil out of the ship but bad weather is hindering rescue work.

Up to 30 tons of oil are believed to have leaked into the sea. Officials fear that if Rena breaks in bad weather, 17,000 tons of oil will be spilled into the sea.

Relief forces are working hard to stabilize the ship before a storm is expected to land the area on local time tonight.

About 200 people are participating in rescue operations, while 300 soldiers are ordered to clean up oil slicks on the beaches.

MNZ said many oil stains are expected to spread to the shore in the coming days.

Officials fear that the oil leak from Rena ships could affect the tourism activities of Bay of Plenty - one of New Zealand's most popular attractions - and many animals like whales, dolphins, seals, penguins .

The Greek-based Costamare Inc, which owns Rena, did not explain why the ship ran aground, but said it was fully cooperating with local officials to minimize the damage.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, who visited the helicopter scene yesterday, said two investigations of the Rena ship's stranding incident are underway.