A Liberian-flagged ship released oil off the coast of New Zealand after striking a reef on October 5th. A thin film of oil, called sheen, has spread over an area which is now moving westward away from the ship and the northern New Zealand port of Tauranga.

It is believed that oil has stopped leaking from the Rena, a 32-year-old cargo ship which reported carrying 25 unhurt crew members, over 2,000 containers, and some hazardous materials in addition to oil.

Maritime New Zealand announced that the priority at the moment is to remove all the remaining fuel from the disabled ship. Over 500 defense personnel have been called to action along with four naval boats and teams of underwater and aerial experts to assess the overall situation and prepare a cleanup protocol.

The ship struck the reef about 12 nautical miles from the coast of New Zealand, damaging pipes and causing two of the ship’s holds to flood. Although the ship is listing to port, the vessel is stable and the tanks containing the remaining oil were reported as not damaged.

New Zealand’s Green Party is requesting the government to release more details about the materials on board the stricken ship, with special concern for the hazardous goods in transit.