

Original Filename: Oil_on_beach_4.JPG ( not available for download )
The Rena Disaster occurred off the coast of Tauranga in New Zealand when the container ship MV Rena grounded on Astrolabe Reef (Otaiti) at 2.14 am on 5 October 2011. Described as New Zealand’s worst maritime environmental disaster, the resulting oil spill had a devastating impact. Around 350 tonnes of heavy fuel oil spilled and, along with the contents of the containers, polluted 400 km of coastline. 2,016 dead birds were collected. Volunteers spent months cleaning up the beaches, scrubbing oil from rocks, and trying to save birds and sea creatures. Photo courtesy of Amanda McFadden.
City: | Tauranga |
Year: | 2011 |
Location where this photo was taken: |