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The New Zealand Defence Force is continuing efforts to remove containers and contain residual oil leakage from the sunken dive and hydrographic ship, HMNZS Manawanui, in Samoa.
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The ship originally struck a reef south of Upolu on Saturday, 5 October. All 75 people aboard were successfully rescued after the accident, while three shipping containers fell off the ship on 6 October.
Since that time, New Zealand and Samoan teams have removed at least two of the 10-foot containers (including one carrying food) from the reef using rigid pontoons and rigid hull inflatable boats.
“We are planning for the removal tomorrow, if the conditions are right. It’s important that this work is carried out safely and with care,” NZDF Senior National Representative Commodore Andrew Brown said on 21 October.
The NZDF is working with a local contractor, ARK Marine, to remove the containers from the reef off the south-west coast of Upolu. The work is being carried out with the approval of the Samoan authorities and under the direct supervision of Samoan officials.
CDRE Brown said daily monitoring of the vessel and shoreline will continue during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
“We will be conducting one dive, one drone flight and one beach patrol daily. The timing will be coordinated so as not to disrupt the event,” he said.
In separate concerns for the local area, Samoa’s Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC) confirmed that HMNZS Manawanui is leaking oil from three separate locations earlier this month on 10 October.
“Observations by the committee via the New Zealand Defense Force in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shows that whilst the leak continues, it is reducing each day,” the committee said.
“The residual oil leakage is from the service tanks of the vessel where the engine room is and where the fire had broken out. It is believed that the majority of the fuel was burnt out, and it is the residual oil that is emanating from the sunken vessel.
“The oil sheens observed on the surface of the ocean has been observed to naturally evaporate and dissipate quickly due to the strong winds in the area. It is important to note that there continues to be no trace of oil contamination that has washed up onshore, as of 8am today, October 10. It is imperative to contain the persisting leakages; whilst it is reducing, the goal is to stop it as soon as possible.
“The MPAC chairman continues to thank the village of Tafitoala and members of the public for the support and cooperation.”
