New Zealand salvage crews race to pump oil from stricken ship

Salvage crews have resumed efforts to pump oil from stricken cargo ship the Rena, stranded on a reef off the New Zealand coast, after a bout of severe weather cleared.

More than 350 tonnes of heavy fuel oil have spilled into the water already, killing more than 1,000 sea birds.

Environmentalists have warned of disaster if all 1,700 tonnes of oil and 200 tonnes of diesel held on board spill from the vessel.

Bruce Anderson, salvage manager for Maritime New Zealand described the options for the salvage crews.