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Fears grew on Wednesday that a ship stuck on a New Zealand reef would break up and release a new wave of pollution, as its two chief officers were charged over the nation's worst oil spill.

Prime Minister John Key said cracks had been found in the hull of the stricken container ship Rena, and the situation was precarious, with the boat teetering at a steep angle in stormy seas.

Television footage of the ship stranded on the Astrolabe Reef, 22 kilometers off the North Island coast, showed a gaping crack in its hull, with Transport Minister Steven Joyce saying it would "probably" shear in two.

Up to 300 tons of heavy fuel has already leaked into the environmentally sensitive Bay of Plenty since the Rena ploughed into the reef last Wednesday, creating New Zealand's worst maritime pollution disaster.

Officials have warned the crisis will deepen if the Rena breaks up and releases all 1,700 tons of oil it is carrying.

The ship's captain, a Filipino in his 40s, appeared in Tauranga court amid a heavy police presence, charged with operating a vessel in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk.

He was bailed to reappear on Oct 19 on the charge, which carries a maximum penalty of NZ$10,000 ($7,800) or one year in jail. His name was suppressed amid fears for his safety as anger grows in the local community.

The Rena's second officer, who was in charge of navigational watch when the ship hit the reef, was charged with the same offense.

Overnight, containers began toppling from the ship's deck in heavy seas. Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) said none contained hazardous material, but TVNZ reported seeing bright blue smoke emitting from one of them.

It was highly likely more containers will plunge into the sea because of the severe weather conditions and the vessel's heavy list, MNZ said.

Questions:

1. What is the name of the ship?

2. How many kilometers off the North Island coast is Astrolabe Reef?

3. How many tons of oil has already leaked into the bay?

Answers:

1. Rena.

2. 22.

3. 300.

（中国日报网英语点津 Helen 编辑）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.