An environmental assessment of the Tafitoala coast and lagoon found significant damages to the coral reef where the HMNZS Manawanui ran aground posing a threat to marine life. 

The finding is the initial report from the local Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC) charged with assessing the impact of the HMNZS Manawanui wreckage on marine species and habitat.    

Committee chair and Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Fui Mau Simanu said assessments showed physical destruction to the reef was approximately 5000 square meters.

 “There is significant damage on the reef where the ship ran aground,” said Fui in an interview with the Samoa Observer. 

“There are two 17-foot containers sitting on the reef and we have asked to remove its content to lessen any damage and salvage the containers later.” 

The coastal assessment carried out from Safata to Matafa’a by the Committee on Wednesday confirms that there continues to be no oil contamination on the coast. It has washed out to sea. 

“The ship was fueled by diesel which is a light distilled fuel with very low viscosity,” said Fui.

“Initial assessments suspected fuel leakage and further information of this will be provided today as the weather continues to improve, aiding in the diving teams’ operation this evening.

“For now, water samples have been collected for chemical analysis to confirm contamination in the water.”

The samples from various areas have been submitted to the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) for testing. A meeting with the New Zealand Defence Force confirmed there were no explosives on the sunken ship. 

The Tafitoala coastal area has been declared a prohibited zone for the protection of the community to prevent threats to life, property and the environment. 

Villagers of Tafitoala to Sataoa and Saanapu have expressed concerns about their livelihoods and the lifelong impact of the Manawanui incident on the fisheries.  

The villages will be consulted by the authorities to update them on the current situation and inform the communities of the threat of fishing in the area and possible contamination. 

Environmentalist James Atherton of the Samoa Conservative Society said the containers on the reef need to be removed carefully without damaging the reef. 

He urged there is also a need to investigate reports of dead turtles near the wreck.

“There needs to be constant monitoring of the situation by the authorities to ensure that any oil spills are rapidly detected and removed,” said Atherton. 

“Oil containment gear and specialist personnel need to be ready on site to be deployed as soon as an oil spill is located.

“The biggest issue we need to focus on is what is the plan to deal with the remaining 1000 tons of diesel in the hull and what will be done to remove it, or at least to stabilise it. This is our major concern.” 

The environmentalist said there needs to be an assurance that the oil is safe in the hull or is removed and will not pollute the lagoon and kill marine life at Safata for years to come.

On Wednesday, the MWTI conducted a meeting with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) DMO Division, Samoa Fire Emergency Services Authority, NZ Defense Force, Maritime New Zealand and New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Samoa, Sialei Van Toor.

The meeting discussed initial findings and continued efforts from all parties. Those involved in the response team include NZ Defence Force, MNRE, MWTI staff, Ministry of Police Prisons and Correction Services, Maritime NZ, SPREP personnel, Royal New Zealand Navy and scientists.