Salvage teams are winched on to stricken container ship Rena off the coast of New Zealand in a race against time to save its deadly cargo.
Battling adverse weather conditions and a heavily listing vessel, the teams prepare to cut holes in the stern of the ship to reach tanks holding more than 1000 tonnes of fuel.
The Liberian-flagged ship which hit a reef nine days ago has now almost split into two pieces.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SALVAGE ADVISOR, CAPTAIN JOHN WALKER, SAYING:
"If you're looking for a level, it's probably one of the most dangerous operations they can do."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) MARITIME NEW ZEALAND, BRUCE ANDERSON, SAYING:
"If the weather stays fine, and everything goes well, they might be able to start transferring fuel tomorrow."
Meanwhile, hundreds of workers continue the massive clean-up operation off the coast, which is popular with surfers and fishermen.
Around 300 tonnes of toxic heavy fuel and some containers have already spilled into the sea.
Local media say more than 1000 dead birds have been found so far.
Sunita Rappai, Reuters
