A Hong Kong bulker has been forced ashore in a storm off the Solomon Islands.

Radion New Zealand cited shipping agenct Tony Saliga as saying the 74,000-dwt Solomon Trader (built 1994) was hit by strong winds to the south of the island group on 5 February.

Officials reported that bad weather was hampering efforts to salvage the vessel.

It is stuck in Kangava Bay off Rennell Island.