Salvage Operation Underway for New Zealand Sunken Survey Ship
In early October, the survey ship HMNZS Manawanui tragically sank off the coast of Opolu, Samoa. The incident occurred while the vessel was conducting survey operations. Following the grounding, a complex salvage operation has been initiated to defuel the ship and mitigate environmental risks. Salvors have now arrived at the wreck site, and preparations are underway to begin the critical work of removing fuel from the sunken vessel.
Details of the Incident
The HMNZS Manawanui grounded on a reef on October 5 while performing survey tasks. A preliminary inquiry revealed that the bridge team attempted to maneuver the ship using manual controls. Unfortunately, they failed to notice that the autopilot was still engaged. As a result, the vessel struck the reef at a speed exceeding 10 knots. It dragged along the seabed for over 400 yards before finally coming to a stop. The grounding caused significant damage, leading to a fire that ultimately sank the ship.
Despite the dire situation, all 75 crew members on board managed to evacuate safely, thanks to the heroic efforts of the team. The New Zealand Defence Forces (NZDF) have been working diligently to address the aftermath of the incident. The salvors’ barge is now positioned near the wreck, and the Samoan government has approved a detailed plan to lay out the barge’s anchors. This careful approach aims to avoid further damage to the surrounding reef ecosystem.
Environmental Concerns and Local Impact
As the salvage operation progresses, environmental concerns have emerged. The NZDF reports that the majority of the Manawanui’s fuel remains intact. However, local media outlets in Samoa have indicated that water sampling has detected diesel contamination in the waters just off the coast. This contamination poses a significant threat to the local marine environment and the livelihoods of nearby residents.
Many people in the coastal communities of Samoa rely on subsistence fishing for their daily needs. In response to the contamination, a fishing ban has been implemented for the affected areas. Local residents have expressed frustration over the loss of their livelihoods, as they await the all-clear to resume fishing activities. The New Zealand government has previously requested to postpone discussions regarding compensation, but reports suggest that talks about potential payments have quietly commenced.
Commodore Andrew Brown, the NZDF on-scene commander, emphasized the importance of the coastal and marine environments to the people of Samoa. He acknowledged the complexities of the response efforts and reiterated New Zealand’s commitment to addressing the situation responsibly. “As always, progress is dependent on sea and weather conditions,” he stated. The ongoing salvage operation is a critical step in ensuring the safety of the local environment and the well-being of the affected communities.
