The Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Manawanui, which sank off the southwestern coast of Upolu, Sāmoa, in October, has made significant progress in the initial phase of fuel removal operations. The ship was conducting a reef survey when it ran aground on Tafitoala Reef on October 6, prompting a rescue operation that successfully evacuated all 75 people on board. Unfortunately, the vessel caught fire and sank the following morning.
Concerns were raised about the environmental impact of the incident, particularly as the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) reported that 950 tonnes of diesel fuel were on board at the time of the sinking. A Court of Inquiry revealed that crew error was responsible for the grounding. Commodore Andrew Brown of the NZDF expressed satisfaction with the operation’s progress under challenging weather conditions as salvage teams have been working diligently to recover pollutants.
Fuel and other pollutants recovered from the wreck are currently being transferred in Apia, with plans for more extraction cycles using specialized vessels. Commodore Brown noted that the Sāmoan government had based the expansion of fishing zones on recent water testing that showed low levels of hydrocarbons with no increase in diesel fuel, which is encouraging news for the local marine environment.
Regarding future plans for the wreck, discussions between the New Zealand and Sāmoan governments are ongoing to determine whether the Manawanui will be salvaged entirely. Notably, Defence Minister Judith Collins stated that the HMNZS Manawanui will not be replaced, as the existing HMNZS Otago can undertake many of the sunken ship’s responsibilities.
As the fuel removal operations continue, the situation appears positive as mitigative efforts are being implemented, ensuring the safety of local waters and marine life. Further updates on the salvage operation and its environmental assessments are anticipated in the coming days, highlighting the collaborative effort between New Zealand and Sāmoa to address both the immediate repercussions of this maritime accident and its long-term environmental impact.
Summarily, the outcome of this situation showcases the commitment of the New Zealand Defence Force and the Sāmoan government to protect the marine environment while addressing the tragic incident surrounding the HMNZS Manawanui.
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