The salvaging of fuel from the HMNZS Manwanui is likely to resume this week after it was halted due to bad weather last week.

The New Zealand navy ship sank in October off the south coast of Upolu and has become an environmental risk for the people of the Safata district who are faced with a fishing ban.

The New Zealand Defence Force said the recovery of fuel and other pollutants from HMNZS Manawanui was progressing with a quantity of fuel already removed. More than 100,000 litres were removed and brought to Apia over a week ago.

It was initially estimated that the sunken vessel’s tanks had more than 900,000 litres of diesel.

NZ Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution, Commodore Andrew Brown, said the recovery phase is making progress despite the impact of adverse weather conditions.

“On Monday due to deteriorating weather and sea conditions, the salvor moved the barge from above Manawanui to Apia to offload the recovered fuel and other pollutants held in the tank-tainers,” said Commodore Brown.

“Unfortunately, weather conditions in the harbour prevented safe operations and the tug and barge proceeded back out to sea to await more favourable weather and will remain seeking shelter from the current weather system.

“The weather, particularly this time of year, has and will influence the fuel and other pollutants removal process.”  

He said once offloaded, the tank-tainers will be securely stored at the port and then the fuel and other pollutants will be transferred to an agreed delivery point for processing and stowage whilst we work through disposal processes.

“Whilst the barge is away from Manawanui, the Safety Buffer Zone around the site has remained in place, to protect the anchors and buoys, and to ensure the safety of people who might be on the water in the area,” he said.

“The NZDF dive team continues to monitor Manawanui and the surrounding area and support the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa sea water sample collection.”

He said the barge is expected to make a number of trips into Apia to offload tank-tainers between now and the end of the fuel recovery phase.

“This response is complex and technical, New Zealand is committed to doing the right thing. We know how important the coastal and marine environments are to the people of Samoa, especially those on the southwest coast of Upolu,” said Commodore Brown.

There is no timeframe set for the removal of the fuel from the Manawanui.

Meanwhile, tests conducted in the sea off the coast in the Safata district showed diesel contamination.

Impacted villagers are still awaiting word from the government if they will be getting any financial aid as the fishing ban has affected their livelihood. The villages depend on fishing for income and nine villages have been unable to fish for the last three months.

There is also no word from the New Zealand government if they were looking to compensate the impacted people.