Government officials on Tuesday mobilised efforts to contain what they described as oil leakage where the New Zealand naval ship HMNZS Manawanui sank claiming there was no evidence of oil spillage.

The Oil Spill Response Operations began on the Tafitoala coast and has now been declared a no-go zone while authorities assess the potential danger to life and the environment. 

Also activated is a Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC) chaired by the Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure and in coordination with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). The committee is undertaking the marine environmental assessments with the assistance of partners from WAITT Foundation, Conservation International, SPREP and other local partners. 

M.N.R.E. Chief Executive Officer Lealaisalanoa Frances Reupena said they hope to consolidate the findings by Wednesday on the current status of the marine environment. 

Other key government agencies that went out in the field to support the efforts include the Samoa Ports Authority (SPA) and the Ministry of Police Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS). 

Acting Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio at 10.30 am on Tuesday issued a confirmation report from Captain Dowling, New Zealand's Commander of Operations and MPAC Chair, Fui Mau Simanu on the current situation. 

Tuala said according to the report there was no evidence of oil spillage on the reefs, ashore and around the area as of 10.30 am except for small leakages of oil coming from the vessel.

He assured it had been contained using specialised equipment being deployed on-site.

“A combined full force and priority has been given to this incident and a team of divers and marine experts have been deployed out to the site of the vessel.   

“In the meantime, marine scientists are carrying out sample testing of the nearby waters and beaches for any traces of oil.” 

Members of the public are urged to report any sighting of oil or other concerns and return to authorities any properties or belongings believed to be from the incident.  

The latest statement from the government contradicts reports from affected villagers who claim to have sighted a lot of fuel at sea from Monday. 

Villagers concerned with their livelihood and the aftermath of the environmental disaster also reported turtles found dead at the reef in the area and a lot of rubbish and debris from the unrecoverable vessel. 

James Atherton of Samoa Conservation Society said their rapid assessment of the Safata coast on Monday found limited signs of oil pollution or debris on the nearby shore.

He added a more thorough survey with drones is needed to be certain.

“While we were informed that oil had washed up on the shore to the west of the sinking site at Sataoa on Sunday, it had washed away today when we visited Sataoa,” said Atherton.

“Today [Monday] we were also informed that some turtles were found dead at the reef at Sataoa, possibly due to an oil spill, but this needs to be investigated.

“There should be an aerial survey of the reefs and ocean around the sunk vessel and westwards along the Tafitoala peninsula and westwards towards Sataoa using drones and boats to see if there is debris or even an oil spill.

Atherton said oil spill management experts and divers were needed to investigate the wreck and longer-term action was needed to deal with oil still in the sunken hull.