Rena could split in next 24 hours

It's only a matter of time before the whole thing splits.... that's what officials are saying about a stranded cargo ship off the coast of New Zealand.
The Rena has been stuck on a sandbar for nearly a month... it's hull sporting a large crack, it's cargo balancing precariously.
Now as bad weather approaches the boat is in danger of completely splitting in half.
If that happens, officials say the hundreds of empty containers will fall into the sea and liter the coastline.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SALVAGE UNIT MANAGER, MARITIME NEW ZEALAND, BRUCE ANDERSON, SAYING:
"If it does go, it will be a lot of containers. There will be debris and all sorts of material in the water."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ASSOCIATE TRANSPORT MINISTER, NATHAN GUY, SAYING:
"We are anticipating a very difficult period of time, and Bay of Plenty residents should be aware, and be on standby to offer their support."
Adding insult to injury, the ship is also leaking fuel. Hundreds of tonnes have already spilled into the sea killing dozens of birds and marine life. Hundreds more are still onboard.
The incident is being called New Zealand's worst maritime environmental disaster in decades.
Julie Noce, Reuters