LONDON -- Marine crews in southwest England are concentrating on removing fuel from a grounded container ship that has threatened wildlife with spilled oil and other toxic materials.

The manager of the stricken ship said some oil has leaked, although the main tanks are secure. Wildlife officials said some birds have been rescued.

The French cargo ship was deliberately run aground after it was damaged during a storm on Thursday. Its crew of 26 was rescued.

French officials said that 1,700 tons of the ship's cargo of more than 41,000 tons of merchandise was considered dangerous.

French officials said that of the 41,700 tons of merchandise in the ship's 2,400 containers, 1,700 tons were considered dangerous, including battery acid, as well as explosive and flammable material. The containers also hold motorcycles, car parts, oak barrels, and household possessions moving to new homes.

Oil is also leaking from the ship.

The wrecked ship lies off Sidmouth and Branscombe beaches, which are part of 95 miles of coast designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of the rich fossil beds found along the shore.

Police have been patrolling a nearby beach, with limited success, to keep scavengers away from about 40 containers that have washed ashore.

"Around 15 BMW motorbikes were carried off the beach last night," said local Constable Steve Spearitt.

Some of those hunting for valuables said they thought they ought to be allowed to keep whatever they find in exchange for helping to clean up the beaches.

"If anybody has already made recoveries from the wreck, they are obliged by law to report to the recoverer of wreck," said Sophia Exelby of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.