Oil spill ‘highly probable’ following NZ navy ship sinking - Sāmoa acting PM

There are concerns for the environment following the sinking of a New Zealand navy ship off the coast of Sāmoa.

The HMNZS Manawanui was carrying out a reef survey at the weekend when it ran aground near the southern coast of Upolu, set fire and capsized.

Sāmoa's acting prime minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio says attention now turns to the wreck of the 84.7 metre vessel.

“The HMNZS Manawanui is not recoverable and has sunk into the ocean. The possibility of an oil spill is highly probable.

“NEOC [National Emergency Operation Centre], led by MNRE [Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment], is now conducting an environmental impact assessment on the marine ecosystem and surrounding areas.”

No equipment was available to combat the flames and the 75 crew were evacuated in the early hours of Sunday morning, and two people needed hospital treatment.

Defence Minister Judith Collins confirmed a Court of Inquiry would be carried out by the Chief of Navy, along with clean-up options.

“That will get to the bottom of exactly what's happened, how the ship lost power and ended up on the reef.

“We're very focused obviously on the fuel that's on board and particularly around any environmental impacts."

The new RNZAF Hercules arrived in Sāmoa last night, with medical and welfare personnel and equipment on board, Collins said.

“The Air Force has sent up a spill kit on the Hercules yesterday into Apia … we have to make sure we do things properly.

“We don't know at this stage what the depth is at and there's a big difference depending on what that depth is, on what can be done.”

Aeriel view showing where the HMNZS Manawanui was grounded. Photo/Marine Vessel Traffic

Speaking to William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Collins was grateful for the rescue assistance from Sāmoa, and said the immediate outcome could have been much worse.

“What I'm incredibly grateful for is that 75 crew and passengers got off without major injuries, that is enormous.

“It would be a totally different situation if the decision had been made not to abandon ship, because I think we could have ended up with deaths, if not the whole crew. I mean, I'm just so grateful we’re going to get them back home.”

Rescued crew from the HMNZS Manawanui. Photo/ Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority

What now?

Meanwhile, the Sāmoa Observer reported a “strong, pervasive odour of oil” in nearby villages Siumu and Saanapu.

Tuala had visited the rescued crew members on Sunday morning, who were transported to the New Zealand High Commission residence.

“I also spoke with the Right Honourable Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr Luxon, who expressed his gratitude to Sāmoa for its efforts to rescue the crew, especially in difficult conditions and during darkness.

“Prime Minister Luxon has also offered to provide assistance as required to assist the Samoa government if required.”

Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni expressed gratitude to the rescuers, and said the sinking is hard to comprehend.

“It's a shocking situation for all, including for the local villagers who witnessed the situation. Our two nations share a special bond and will undoubtedly continue to work closely together to respond to this devastating event.

Act leader David Seymour said the incident is a reminder of the risks faced by men and women who serve New Zealand far from home and loved ones, but questions need to be asked.

“The loss of a $100 million vessel is significant and alarming. New Zealanders and Navy personnel deserve to see some accountability.”

Rear Admiral Gain Golding told Radio New Zealand the vessel was carrying out the second of four tasks for their Pacific mission.

“It was to do a survey of the area in support of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting that Sāmoa’s hosting later in this month, and then following that they were going to go to Tokelau and down to Niue.”

The Commonwealth Heads of the Government Meeting is from 21-25 of October, with guests including King Charles III.

It is the first time the event will be hosted by a Pacific nation.