The New Zealand Defence Force has claimed that they have cleaned up an estimated one tonne or 1000 kilograms of debris from the sunken HMNZS Manawanui.

For the last week, a team of 30 New Zealand Defence Force personnel has been cleaning up debris.

This is part of the environment mitigation process which includes cleaning up surrounding beaches and areas next to the reef.

The team, based on the south coast of Upolo, has been removing debris that has washed up around Salamumu Beach.

As they are heading out to monitor leaks and dive on the ship, they are also searching for any signs of debris on or in the water.

With the support of local communities, NZDF estimates one tonne of debris has been cleaned up so far.

The items collected include emergency equipment and personal items belonging to the crew.

One of the two rigid hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) that have washed ashore has been recovered. The other has been located but it’s difficult to get to. Planning is underway to retrieve it.

“We want to do everything we can to help with the clean up,” Deputy Chief of Navy Commodore Andrew Brown said.

“We’ve set up a dedicated hotline for people to report any debris they see. Please call or text us on +685 7142198 and we will make arrangements to come and clean it up.”

While the washed-up debris is unlikely to pose any risk to the public, NZDF urge people to contact the hotline and report it.

“We know the community is also concerned about the three containers from the ship that remain on the reef,” said the NZDF

“One is empty and the other two remain closed. NZDF is assessing the next steps as a priority.”

The NZDF continues their operations this week and as part of the salvage operation, they could be soon removing the fuel tanks from the ship.

It is also believed that the containers would be removed with the aid of the HMNZS Canterbury, which is set to arrive in Samoa sometime this week.