Recovery and removal efforts to assist a stranded cargo ship are underway in New Zealand.
A ship that hit a reef about 20 kilometers from the shore last week has been leaking oil... 20 tonnes so far.
On Sunday, a barge was sent to start pumping out the ships remaining oil to prevent further spillage.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said the circumstances surrounding the incident leave a lot of unanswered questions.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER, JOHN KEY SAYING:
"This is a ship that has ploughed into a well documented reef in calm waters in the middle of the night at 17 knots so somebody needs to tell us why that has happened."
The spill has already affected marine and wildlife.
Animal recovery centers have been set up to help clean animals who've come into contact with the oil.
Officials say the leak is expected to reach the shores New Zealand.
Julie Noce, Reuters
