The Samoa Maritime Police and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services rescued 75 sailors from New Zealand naval ship HMNZS Manawanui on Saturday night after the vessel ran aground on a reef off the coast of Siumu.

Early Sunday morning, a tug boat from the Samoa Ports Authority (SPA) was dispatched to assess the situation. Tahere were concerns regarding an oil spill following reports that the vessel had caught fire.

The SPA tug boat was deployed to assist with efforts to prevent further damage. The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) is on standby and may be activated based on ongoing developments.

There are mounting concerns about a potential oil spill from the vessel, and the Police and Fire Commissioners are closely monitoring the rescue and mitigation operations. Local authorities are working diligently to keep residents in the surrounding areas informed of the situation and ensure their safety.

In a successful rescue operation, 75 individuals aboard the Manawanui were safely evacuated, with some being transported to the residence of the New Zealand High Commission. Meanwhile, the Nafanua Police boat and a cable ship are facilitating the safe transfer of the remaining crew members to Matautu.

The Manawanui was declared an abandoned vessel late on Saturday night.

Authorities continue to manage the situation, with further updates expected in the coming hours.