10. Rena Oil Spill Off Coast of New Zealand
 |
| Image credit: Jeanfrancois Beausejour via Flickr |
On October 5, 2011, a cargo ship ran itself aground in the Astrolabe Reef. Carrying 1,700 tons (83,300 barrel equivalent) of oil onboard, the 775-foot Rena leaked almost one-quarter of its fuel, 400 tons (28,000 barrels) into the ocean. The spill led to beach closures and the death of thousands of birds, fish, and other sea-life.
Rena's spill has been labelled New Zealand's Worst Maritime Environmental disaster of all time.
Read More