The New Zealand Defence Force claimed that salvors are in the final stages of the diesel fuel and other pollutants removal process from HMNZS Manawanui.

The New Zealand navy ship struck a reef off the coast of Tafitoala on Upolu on 5 October 2024 and sank the next day after catching fire. More than 200,000 litres of diesel leaked into the ocean causing the government to ban fishing in the area for five months.

More than 900,000 litres and other chemicals supposedly sank with the ship. In January, the New Zealand salvors arrived and started removing the diesel and other chemicals from the sunken vessel which lies on the seabed at a depth of 30 metres.

Operation Resolution Senior National Representative, Commodore Andrew Brown said excellent progress was being made in favourable weather and sea conditions.

“As we near the end of this phase of the operation, we are gaining a better understanding of the condition of internal tanks and systems not visible from the outside of the ship, as well as in-depth information on the contents and damage tanks may have sustained,” he said.

“This information helps the salvor to ensure they have located all tanks and in some cases, compartments containing diesel fuel, oil and other pollutants, remove their contents and secure them.

“Liquid removed from the ship containing diesel fuel is landed into the Port of Apia, where samples are taken for testing by an independent company. The liquid is then progressed through a settling and separation process. The amount of diesel fuel in the liquid won’t be known until this process is completed.”

Commodore Brown said the remaining liquid removed from Manawanui will be returned to New Zealand for processing and/or disposal.

“With the diesel fuel and other pollutants removal nearly complete, the focus is now on what is next for Manawanui,” he said.

“This includes the conducting of a wreck assessment and incorporates studies of the reef and marine environment in the vicinity of Manawanui. An independent Singapore-based expert will provide technical advice on the wreck, alongside reef and environmental experts who provide analysis of environmental impacts.

“The assessment will inform options for the Samoan and New Zealand governments to consult on as part of the next steps.”

Continued low levels of hydrocarbons in seawater and marine life tested and reported by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) enabled the Marine Pollution Advisory Committee to confirm the complete removal of the Precautionary Zone. “

This is a great outcome,” said Commodore Andrew Brown, “and the result of a lot of hard work by SROS”.

“As always, we maintain an absolute focus on coastal and marine environments as we progress the Manawanui response. We must continue doing a careful and thorough job.”