The captain of a cargo ship that's stranded off the coast of New Zealand appeared in court Wednesday.
Charged with 'operating a vessel in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk', the 44 year old Philippine national was released on one week's bail.
The ship hit a reef last week which caused it's fuel to leak.
The oil slick has now reached shore and is scattered along 25 kilometers of golden beaches.
Hundreds of volunteers are working to remove the toxic black clumps from the sand.
Officials say about 50 birds have died as a result.
Julie Noce, Reuters
