Salvage teams are winched on to stricken container ship Rena off the coast of New Zealand in a race against time to save its deadly cargo.<br/> Battling adverse weather conditions and a heavily listing vessel, the teams prepare to cut holes in the stern of the ship to reach tanks holding more than 1000 tonnes of fuel.<br/> The Liberian-flagged ship which hit a reef nine days ago has now almost split into two pieces.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) SALVAGE ADVISOR, CAPTAIN JOHN WALKER, SAYING:<br/> "If you're looking for a level, it's probably one of the most dangerous operations they can do."<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) MARITIME NEW ZEALAND, BRUCE ANDERSON, SAYING:<br/> "If the weather stays fine, and everything goes well, they might be able to start transferring fuel tomorrow."<br/> Meanwhile, hundreds of workers continue the massive clean-up operation off the coast, which is popular with surfers and fishermen.<br/> Around 300 tonnes of toxic heavy fuel and some containers have already spilled into the sea.<br/> Local media say more than 1000 dead birds have been found so far.<br/> Sunita Rappai, Reuters
