New Zealand oil spill

A large container ship went aground in the Bay of Plenty area off New Zealand’s North Island on Oct. 5. Of an estimated 1,700 tons of heavy fuel oil in its fuel tanks, more than 350 tons leaked out.

Public beaches were closed from Mt. Maunganui to Maketu Point. Residents were advised not to touch the toxic oil and to avoid the fumes. The coastline is a popular area for surfing, diving, fishing and observing marine wildlife. A government spokesman called it “the country’s worst maritime environmental disaster.” Cleanup is expected to take several months.