A ‘cautionary area' from Waihi Beach to Mayor Island and Maketu has been established by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council following the breaking up of the Rena.

The container ship broke in two overnight on Saturday, spilling containers and debris into the sea.

The ‘cautionary area' and exclusion zone. Image: Google.

Some former Rena cargo was found washed ashore at Waihi Beach today.

The council is advising all vessels in the ‘cautionary area' to navigate with extreme caution.

This includes proceeding at slow speed, keeping a good lookout and travelling through the area in daylight only.

The debris field is extensive and its movement is unpredictable and could extend further.

The current Rena exclusion zone remains – a three nautical mile radius around Astrolabe Reef.

This will be reviewed as more information is gathered about the state of the Rena.

Anyone found in the exclusion zone without the express permission of the harbourmaster may be fined $200 or prosecuted.

Oil sightings should be reported to Maritime New Zealand by phoning 0800 645 774.

Container, debris or oiled wildlife sightings should be reported on the 0800 333 771 line.

Seen containers, debris or oiled wildlife wash ashore? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE with your news tip.

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