No oil spill yet from sunk HMNZS Manawanui

Staff Reporters/

Apia, Samoa – 09 October 2024 – “There is no evidence of oil spillage onto the reefs, ashore and around the area where the HMNZS Manawanui lays on the ocean floor except for small leakages of oil coming from the vessel. This has been contained using specialized equipment being deployed on site.”

This is according to the latest official release from the Office of the Acting Prime Minister issued yesterday (Tuesday 8 October 2024). Click Here for the Official Release

The statement confirmed a report from Captain Dowling, Commander of Operations and Fui Tupai Mau Simanu, Chairman of the Samoa Marine Pollution Advisory Committee following initial assessments of the situation after HMNZ Manawanui hit a reef and sank on Sunday morning on the South West Coast of Samoa.

“According to the report, there is no evidence of oil spillage onto the reefs, ashore and around the area, as of 1030hrs this morning, except for small leakages of oil coming from the vessel. This has been contained using specialized equipment being deployed on site,” said the statement.

“A combined full force and priority has been given to this incident and a team of divers and marine experts have been deployed out to the site of the vessel.”

Yesterday, marine scientists have been carrying out sample testing of the nearby waters and beaches for any traces of oil.

Another team of scientists from overseas are out in the area this morning together with a team from New Zealand and local media who will be out on location where the vessel sank.

According to the Deputy Prime Ministers statement, “We ask the public for their support and assistance to return to the authorities any property or belongings that are believe to be from this incident, and report sighting of any oil or other concerns.”

The ship is in water about 30m deep and went down with close to 1,000 tonnes of diesel.

A separate statement from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) said a range of equipment was sent to Samoa with NZDF personnel to assist with the initial response and help address environmental impacts to the area.

“This equipment includes remotely operated vehicles used to establish the debris field, and also Maritime NZ spill response equipment, which can be used both in the water and on the land.

“NZDF personnel have begun clearing flotsam from the beach area and have retrieved some equipment from the Ship as well as debris from the water.

“A light oil sheen from the ship’s initial capsizing is being dispersed by wind and waves. So far no oil has been detected on the nearby beach or reefs.

“Work on the site will continue this week and information will be communicated with the public as the operation progresses,” said the NZDF.