Earlier reports that the Rena vessel was carrying dangerous cargo have been confirmed.
A Maritime New Zealand spokesperson said the substance ferrosilicon, a substance which can produce large amounts of hydrogen gas when exposed to water. Hydrogen is extremely flammable.
"We have been advised that the vessel is carrying four containers of ferrosilicon.
"This substance, which is a solid matter, has the potential to cause risk if it comes into contact with water. It can give off hydrogen which can cause a fire risk.
"Fortunately, the goods were identified early and MNZ knows where they are. Any salvage plan will take them into account," they said.
Four dead birds have been found near the oil slick from the leaking vessel Rena. It is unknown at this stage what species the birds are.
Maritime New Zealand have announced that an oiled wildlife response is being mobilised in Tauranga following reports of oiled birds found in the water near the grounded cargo vessel.
Dead birds found nearbyThe container ship heading to the Port of Tauranga from Napier stuck on the Astrolabe Reef is now spilling oil.Four dead birds have been found near the oil slick from the leaking vessel Rena. It is unknown at this stage what species the birds are.
Maritime New Zealand have announced that an oiled wildlife response is being mobilised in Tauranga following reports of oiled birds found in the water near the grounded cargo vessel.
Oiled Wildlife Response co-ordinator Kerri Morgan, from Massey University, said the team has now activated its response plans.
The team had already mobilised equipment which has arrived in Tauranga this afternoon. An oiled wildlife response centre will be set up at the Tauranga Wastewater treatment plant.
A further base will be set up on Motiti Island.
Ms Morgan said around 20 responders were expected to be settled on the island tonight, ready to respond at first light tomorrow. The team on the island will include veterinarians.
A team of expert responders and ornithologists with experience in the capture and treatment of oiled birds would be undertaking beach searches on Motiti Island and the Maketu Peninsula tomorrow morning.
"We have specialist equipment and trained responders here ready to mount whatever response is required.
"We are working closely with representatives from the Department of Conservation here in Tauranga who are providing invaluable local knowledge and expertise," she said.
Divers inspected hull
Divers are in the water examining the ship's damaged hull. New Zealand Salvage and Diving Ltd general manager Howard Saunders confirmed there were divers in the water doing "their first dive of the vessel".
Mr Saunders said the owner of the vessel had not yet appointed a salvage company to take control of the salvage operation. He did not know how many salvage companies were involved but confirmed his staff were in the water and examining the ship.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council confirmed the owner of the ship was in talks with a number of salvage companies.
A spokesperson said no decision had yet been made as to which salvage company will take control of the salvage operation. It was unknown when this appointment would be made.
Oil leaking is HFO
The Bay of Plenty Times understands the oil spilling from Rena is now believed to be heavy fuel oil, which would be far worse for the environment that the hydraulic oil which had been reported earlier. However this report is unconfirmed and we will bring you more information as it comes to hand.
Kiri Gillespie reported that there were two helicopters surveying the scene, flying back and forth over the spreading slicks, as well as several boats in the area. Empty container ships with cranes and what appeared to be a fuel ship are waiting a few kilometres south of the stuck vessel.
Bay of Plenty Times reporter Kiri Gillespie reported from the air at 1.40pm that the oil has spread from a pool at the head of the vessel.
``The oil has leaked like ribbons from the bow of the ship where a pool of the oil has formed. They stretch at least a couple of kilometres to the south and east.
``Some parts are quite thick and murky,'' she said.