WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- With salvage operations suspended because of high seas, New Zealand authorities said a grounded ship with oil on board is holding together.
As much as 2,000 barrels of oil leaked from cargo vessel Rena after it struck a reef in the Bay of Plenty in early October. Rough seas hampered initial salvage operations and Maritime New Zealand, the responding agency, said it postponed additional efforts on board the ship after high waves caused further damage to the ship.
Bruce Anderson, salvage unit manager for MNZ, said buckling was reported in Rena's hub on the starboard side, which already suffered substantial damage. The ship, MNZ, is in one piece "for now."
"The situation is looking increasingly precarious and we are preparing for the worst," Anderson said in a statement.
A tug is on standby to pull the stern to shallower waters if the ship breaks apart.
There are roughly 350 tons -- around 2,500 barrels -- remaining in a starboard tank on the ship.
More bad weather is expected in New Zealand. MNZ officials said there were around 400 emergency personnel on standby for cleanup operations if more oil is released from Rena.
