The NZDF Launches Salvage Operation for HMNZS Manawanui

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has embarked on a challenging salvage operation to recover fuel and pollutants from the sunken vessel, HMNZS Manawanui, off the coast of Samoa. The operation, led by Commodore Andrew Brown, is a crucial step in addressing the environmental impact of the incident.

Commodore Brown announced the arrival of specialized salvage equipment in Apia, Samoa, signaling a significant milestone in the recovery efforts. The operation is faced with various challenges, including adverse weather conditions and the need for governmental approvals.

Engineering configuration changes and equipment preparations are currently in progress as the salvage barge undergoes conversion from cargo to operational diving mode. Specialist engineering and dive personnel have been deployed by NZDF to oversee the technical aspects of the operation.

The catastrophic events leading to the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui on October 5, 2024, were attributed to a malfunction in the ship’s autopilot system. Under challenging weather conditions, with winds reaching 25 knots, the vessel veered off course uncontrollably. Crew members initially misidentified the issue as a thruster failure, further complicating the situation.

Captain Yvonne Gray’s quick decision to abandon ship saved the lives of 75 individuals on board. Despite her efforts, the vessel succumbed to multiple fires, ultimately capsizing and sinking in the early hours of October 6.

The timeline for the salvage operation is contingent on weather conditions, with strict operational limits set for anchoring, crane operations, and diving activities. Once preparatory work in Apia is completed, the salvage barge will be positioned at the wreck site on Samoa’s southwest coast to begin the removal of hazardous materials.

Commodore Brown emphasized the importance of safely removing fuel and pollutants from HMNZS Manawanui, recognizing the significance of preserving Samoa’s coastal and marine environments, particularly for the communities along the southwest coast of Upolu.