Salvage Operation Commences at Wreck Site of HMNZS Manawanui

Salvors have finally reached the wreck site of the survey ship HMNZS Manawanui, which tragically sank off the coast of Opolu, Samoa in early October. The New Zealand Defence Forces have announced that the operation to defuel the vessel will begin shortly, following the installation of the barge’s spread-moor anchor system.

The incident occurred when Manawanui ran aground on a reef on the southern side of Opolu during survey operations. A subsequent inquiry revealed that a miscommunication within the bridge team led to the ship’s autopilot remaining engaged, resulting in the vessel colliding with the reef at high speed. Despite the dramatic events that followed, all 75 crew members were successfully evacuated from the ship before it sank.

The salvors’ barge is now positioned near the sunken ship, with the Samoan government granting approval for the careful placement of anchors to prevent damage to the delicate reef ecosystem. Once this step is completed, the process of extracting the remaining fuel from Manawanui will commence.

While the majority of the fuel still remains within the vessel, reports from Samoan media indicate that diesel contamination has been detected in the waters surrounding the wreck. As a precautionary measure, a fishing ban has been imposed on nearby villages, impacting the livelihoods of local residents who rely on subsistence fisheries.

Recognizing the significance of the coastal and marine environments to the people of Samoa, Commodore Andrew Brown, the NZDF on-scene commander, expressed New Zealand’s commitment to addressing the environmental and economic impact of the incident. Talks regarding compensation for affected communities have reportedly begun, indicating a step towards addressing the concerns of those affected by the disaster.

“As we navigate through this complex and technical salvage operation, our priority remains the well-being of the local communities and the preservation of the marine ecosystem,” stated Commodore Brown. “New Zealand is dedicated to ensuring that the right steps are taken to mitigate the impact of this unfortunate event.”