Listing ship slowly continuing

The process of righting the bulk carrier Taharoa Express, which limped into Nelson's Tasman Bay yesterday with a list caused by its shifting cargo, is slowly continuing.

The ship got into trouble about 2.30am on Friday after its load of iron sand slurry moved in rough seas off the Taranaki coast. It travelled to the sheltered waters of Tasman Bay and anchored safely, but was still listing.

Maritime New Zealand spokeswoman Christl McMillan said yesterday the list had reduced overnight from about 20 to 18 degrees.