Two heavy cyclones in the South Pacific have forced the separate sections of the grounded boxship Kea Trader together.

The 2,194-teu vessel (built 2017) got stuck on a rock reef off New Caledonia last July.

It later broke in two, and its condition has now further deteriorated, owner Lomar Shipping said.

Precautionary measures were put in place on site to minimise the impact of the incoming storms, while all personnel and vessels were brought to safe shelter in Noumea.