The salvage company hired by the New Zealand Defence Force is doing additional work on the sunken HMNZS Manawanui to clear equipment and debris including weapons and ammunition.

The New Zealand navy ship sank on 6 October after hitting a reef a day earlier on the South Coast of Upolu. A commission of inquiry report found human error led to the mishap as the autopilot was not switched off.

NZDF Senior National Representative, Commodore Andrew Brown said after the diesel fuel and other pollutants recovery phase, they will make use of the additional work clause in the contract with the salvors to clear some equipment and debris from in and around HMNZS Manawanui.

“This needs the highly specialised diving and salvage capability the salvors provide,” he said.

“The salvors will be removing equipment, weapons, ammunition and debris from Manawanui.  We need to remove debris that may come loose and escape from the ship.

“Once equipment and debris have been cleared, we will be making every effort to make Manawanui as secure as possible.”

Commodore Brown said NZDF was focused on doing all to minimise the potential impact on the environment and the Samoan community by clearing these items and returning them to New Zealand for safe disposal.

“We are also initiating and informing a wreck assessment, which includes independent expert studies of the vessel, reef and marine environment. This will inform the options for the next steps for Manawanui to allow the New Zealand and Samoan Governments to consult on,” he said.

“At present, the salvors’ barge has left its moorings to shelter from adverse weather and seas.   The barge will be back above Manawanui once conditions allow to continue this important work.”

Commodore Brown advised that after five months in Samoa, he was returning to New Zealand for a short period to continue progressing the work on Operation Resolution.

“This is a good opportunity for me to engage with the strategic decision makers and provide ‘face to face’ updates,” he said.

“I reflect on the hard work that has occurred in support of the Samoan Government’s Manawanui response and our continued commitment to do the right thing. Our highly-skilled Task Group continue the work on the ground in Samoa supporting this complex and technical operation.”

More than 200,000 litres of diesel leaked from the Manwanui causing the government to put a fishing ban in place that impacted nine villages in the Safata district. These villages relied on fishing as their main source of income.