The New Zealand Defence Force (N.Z.D.F.) and Samoan officials have successfully removed one of the three containers from the HMNZS Manawanui that was on the reef off Tafitoala as part of Operation Resolution.

Commodore Andrew Brown, the senior national representative for the N.Z.D.F. in Samoa, announced the progress on Sunday evening, stating, "Yesterday (Saturday), we successfully removed one of the empty containers that came off the HMNZ's Manawanui."

Of the three containers that are being removed, two are empty and one contains food. 

"This is challenging work, and yesterday the teams did a great job," Commodore Brown said.

"New Zealand and Samoan teams worked from early Saturday, late into the night to remove an empty shipping container from the reef, after it and two others came off the sunken HMNZS Manawanui two weeks ago."

The remaining two containers, one containing food are expected to be removed by Monday, weather permitting. 

“We are continuing with the container removal over the next few days, making sure that we are keeping people safe and with the protection of the environment in mind.”

The three 10ft containers are being floated and then towed to shore.

Commodore Brown said the work is being carried out under the direct supervision of the Samoan authorities.

"The plan is to secure float bags under the container to lift it then tow the container to the shore to be lifted onto a work truck for safe transportation. The container will then be taken to a secure location for disposal," he said.

"Safety and the protection of the environment is paramount. Our absolute priority remains to avoid as much as possible any impacts on Samoa's marine and coastal environments and the removal of these containers is an important step."

The N.Z.D.F. is working closely with the Samoan government on this operation, with Commodore Brown stating, "We are partners with the Samoan government in this activity, and remain committed to working closely together. 

As Samoa prepares to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (C.H.O.G.M.) in the coming week, Commodore Brown assured that monitoring for potential leaks will continue, with activities scaled down to avoid disruptions. 

"Over the coming week, as Samoan hosts C.H.O.G.M. and welcomes many world leaders to their shores, we will continue to closely monitor any potential leaks from the vessel, while activity will be scaled down to avoid disrupting C.H.O.G.M."