Is HMNZS Manawanui leaking? Conflicting reports from NZ and Samoa

By RNZ

The Deputy Chief of Navy says no oil leaks are coming from the sunken Manawanui, but that officials are monitoring the situation closely.

His comments conflict with Samoa’s marine pollution advisory committee deep sea divers, who have confirmed the sunken vessel is leaking diesel fuel into the ocean, off the south coast of Upolu.

The ship was carrying about 950 tonnes of diesel at the time it hit the reef on Saturday night, caught fire and then sank early on Sunday morning.

The committee is also reporting drone video and stills photography have confirmed the wreck is emitting contaminants into the water.

A sea turtle struggles in an oil spill near the HMNZS Manawanui wreck site.

However, Commodore Andrew Brown told RNZ’s Morning Report his latest update on Thursday morning was that the oil was contained.

“The fuel is contained within its fuel tanks and we’ve got no indication of any leaking coming from those tanks,” Brown said.

This is being monitored very closely daily and New Zealand divers will be assessing the fuel status on Thursday, he said.

He said he was working very closely on the ground with Samoan government officials.

RNZ reporter Louise Ternouth is on Samoa’s southern coast and went out on the water with the Defence Force on Wednesday.

“Before we were even told we had reached where the vessel was - which took up to an hour to get out there – you could smell it, you could smell the pungent petrol fumes and we knew we were in the right spot.

Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Manawanui ran aground near Samoa on Saturday night. Photo / Profile Boats

“We also saw an oil slick on the water which the New Zealand Defence Force maintains is residual fuel from the initial sinking.”

On Tuesday, Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding said at that point no leak was confirmed but “we anticipate if there is oil coming ashore it’s definitely going to be from Manawanui so our efforts are going to be on supporting the Samoan Government with environmental impacts”.

Residents in Samoa fear potential oil or chemical spillage from the Manawanui could be disastrous for the local environment and businesses.

Local Manu Percival told Morning Report earlier this week the mess would have a huge effect on tourism and local communities, as the area was used for food and surfing and is a home for marine life.

A photo of the HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Upolu, Samoa. Photo / Trevor Meredith

Manager at Coconuts Beach Club at Maninoa, Brian Rose, said the lagoon has a sizeable turtle population – a major tourist attraction.

Minister of Defence Judith Collins has said the environmental impact was the Government’s main focus, alongside a salvage operation.

- RNZ

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