Preparation for fuel removal continues on sunken NZ navy ship

Salvage crews in Sāmoa are preparing to remove fuel and pollutants from HMNZS Manawanui, with engineering and equipment configurations underway in Apia.

New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) Senior National Representative Commodore Andrew Brown said salvors have conducted underwater surveys to confirm where the barge’s anchoring system will be installed.

These findings will soon be presented to Sāmoan authorities for endorsement.

“It is important for the salvors to work through the necessary approvals and permissions to allow the fuel and other pollutants removal to commence,” Commodore Brown said.

The HMNZS Manawanui ran aground on a reef off the southern coast of Upolu, Sāmoa on the October 5 during survey operations.

All 75 crew members and passengers were safely evacuated, with only minor injuries reported.

An interim Court of Inquiry report, released on November 29, attributed the incident to human error.

NZDF contracted salvors continue barge reconfiguration while in Apia. Photo/NZDF.

Once preparations for the removal of fuel and pollutants is completed, the barge will be towed to the southwest coast of Upolu and anchored above the wreck.

Removal of fuel and pollutants will begin following final site and equipment checks, as well as comprehensive Health and Safety assessments.

Commodore Brown said weather will play a key role in determining the operation's timeline.

“The weather, particularly this time of year, will play a major part. How long the operation takes will be very dependent on weather and sea conditions.”

Community talanoa

On Wednesday Commodore Brown and New Zealand’s Charge d’Affaires joined Sāmoan officials for a meeting with community representatives in Tafitoala, a village on Upolu’s southwest coast.

Discussions focused on the next steps for the fuel removal operation and the precautionary fishing zone established in the area.

“It was a privilege to sit alongside Samoan officials as they engaged with the local community. I was humbled by the community’s generosity of spirit in welcoming us and engaging with the Samoan officials,” Commodore Brown said.

“It was good to see fact-based information presented to the community, and it was obvious that they appreciated this.

“It was also clear that the safe removal of fuel and other pollutants from HMNZS Manawanui is important to the local community.

“We are absolutely focused on doing a careful and thorough job. While this response is complex and technical, New Zealand is committed to doing the right thing.”