Negotiations to Extract Fuel from the HMNZS Manawanui in Progress

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 15 November 2024 – Priority is given to extract 900,000 liters of diesel from the New Zealand sunken navy vessel HMNZS Manawanui off Safata on the south western coast of Uplou Island.

This was confirmed by the New Zealand Navy Commodore Andrew Brown and Air Marshal Tony Davies, New Zealand Navy Chief of Defence.

Commodore Brown who heads the operation locally said they are currently in negotiations with a New Zealand salvage company to carry out this work.

“We are in the final stage of negotiating with the Salver to come over and remove the fuel from the vessel and we estimate that the contract will be signed in the very near future and then the mobilisation to commence the removal of the fuel,” he said.

Asked how soon is very soon, he said he tried to stay away from the actual number but it will be two weeks from the time they sign the contract.

When the contract will be signed is also not yet known.

Commander Brown and his team are conscious of the cyclone season already starting and that the weather could have an impact on the time of the extraction.

He confirmed that 900,000 litres of diesel fuel remain onboard the Manawanui.

He was also asked to give an estimate of how much fuel is leaking out.

“I use the term ‘trickle’ out of a very low amount and we monitor that on a daily basis, and the divers are using different methods to catch it before the fuel gets to the surface,” he said.

He confirmed that some fuel had gotten to the surface and it goes through a natural process of heat and evaporation, but no report of fuel reaching the shores.

Marshal Davies said it’s a complex effort extracting the fuel.

“It’s an extremely complex work and that’s why we pick the expert for the work to ensure it’s risk free, and we are going back and forth with the plan to do this before submitting it to the Samoan Government,” he said.

He also assured Samoa that the vessel is stable as it is firmly anchored down.

“It is a heavy ship, it’s damaged and it is wedged in position and there is no sign of movement from it,” said Davis.

Acting Police Commissioner Lafaitele Herbert Aati accepting the commendation for the Samoan police in the rescue operations.

Recognising the rescuers of HMNZS Manawanui crew
Two separate ceremonies were held to acknowledge and recognise the service rendered by the locals, police maritime and Samoa Fire & Emergency Services Authority (SFESA).

The HMNSZ Manawanui ran aground on 5 October 2024 at the south coast of Samoa.

First on the scene was local fisherman Lui Nifo who paddled his canoe to where sinking Manawanui and assisted in rescuing some of the crew.

Also responding was Samoa Police Maritime unit and Australian Defense Advisor Jared Williams and crew of the Double Down vessel.

They were all recognised with the Commendation Award.

“This commendation presentation is not only a recognition of the bravery and commitment shown by those involved but also a reaffirmation of the strong partnerships between Samoa, New Zealand, and Australia in ensuring a secure and resilient Blue Pacific,” said Faualo Harry Minister Schuster, the Minister of Police & Prisons.