Six months after the container ship Rena hit the reef in the early hours of October 5 near Tauranga, the stern section of the wrecked container ship has been confirmed to have sunk on Wednesday, April 4^th. The broken-ship caused New Zealand's biggest sea pollution was hit by waves of over 12 metres with winds of 50 kmh, according to officials from Maritime New Zealand. Three months ago the Rena split in two.

The sinking of the stern section is likely to result in the loss of more debris and a light sheen of oil had already been seen surrounding the wreck, Maritime New Zealand said after conducting an overflight.

Fears the oil would wash ashore today have so far been unrealised, with Waikato Regional Council staff checking Coromandel beaches between Whiritoa and Whitianga, reporting no sign of oil or debris.

They will continue to monitor the beaches for a few days and have equipment and people on standby to help with clean up operations should they be required. National On Scene Commander Rob Service said rough sea conditions and strong winds could still see oil and debris being washed ashore.

"It is unlikely to have a significant impact - however, it is important people are aware there could be some oil on their beaches over the next few days,'' he said.