The removal of 950 tonnes of diesel from the fuel tanks on the HMNZS Manawanui is a work in progress as authorities scramble to identify the safest way to carry out the operation with diesel consistently leaking into the ocean.

The New Zealand Defence Force said work to identify what steps are required in respect of the ship itself is well underway with the support of relevant experts. 

“Once the situation becomes clear we will be able to identify the most appropriate organisation to carry out those steps,” the NZ Defence Force said in response to queries from the Samoa Observer. 

“Navy divers are attempting to remove some items from the bridge of the ship to support the Court of Inquiry but are unlikely to be able to go further inside the vessel as it would be unsafe for them to do so. 

“Navy divers have been going out to the site each day to monitor for leaks.” 

The Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC) in its latest report on Monday said the three 17ft containers continue to cause damage to the reef as there was significant movement from one of the containers. It drifted some 100 meters inwards over the weekend. 

“The New Zealand Defense Force is currently looking into options to remove the said containers to ensure the damage to the reef is minimised, as well as developing a plan to safely remove the oil from the ship without further contaminating the environment,” said MPAC.

As of 8 am Tuesday, the divers confirmed that there was a consistent slow leak of diesel fuel into the ocean.

Ongoing shoreline assessment by the Committee reaffirmed no signs of oil slicks washing ashore or onto beaches (areas visited include Tafitoala, Vaiee Bay, Salamumu, Nuusuatia, Lotofaga, Sataoa and Saanapu). 

All claims of diesel fuel-contaminated events are being verified by the Committee.

Samples of seawater, fish and algae from across these areas have been taken and submitted to SROS for contamination testing.

The fishing precautionary zone at Safata continues to be enforced and the affected communities are strongly advised not to fish from the area until further notice. 

The MPAC also acknowledged and recognised the loss of income and loss of food sources due to the Manawanui incident.

A second community consultation will take place on Thursday this week at Tafitoala.

So far, a total of 90 families in Safata have been consulted as part of follow-up exercises with the affected community.

The public residing in the affected area is encouraged to report any debris and/or diesel fuel washing up onshore, as well as any signs of marine life affected by oil slicks or debris to Tualamaalii Wendy Pogi of the Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure. 

MPAC continued to monitor the situation at Tafitoala where HMNZS Manawanui sank throughout the White Sunday public holiday.

Teams from MWTI, MNRE, MAF, SPA and SPPCS have been dispatched since Sunday 6 October and have been based at Tafitoala Response Headquarters conducting ongoing assessments.

The HMNZS Manawanui struck a reef close to the South coast of Upolu on 6 October and sank to its watery grave on the morning of Sunday 7 October.