Watch: First Video Of New Zealand Navy’s Sunken Ship Reveals Diesel Leak In Samoa

Oil Leak — Screengrab from Facebook video posted by NZ Defence Force

Underwater footage of the wreck of the survey ship HMNZS Manawanui, which was grounded off Samoa’s southern coast, revealed a slow diesel leak from an engine room pipe.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) said the fuel leak caused a slight sheen on the water’s surface, but there is no sign of leakage from the ship’s main fuel tanks.

The NZDF stated that the accessible fuel tanks are still intact, and officials believe the amount of leaked diesel is less than initially assessed.

However, they could not provide an exact estimate of how much fuel had leaked because further assessments were underway.

The HMNZS Manawanui ran aground on October 5, 2024, while conducting a hydrographic survey about a nautical mile from shore. Rough seas and strong winds worsened the situation, forcing the ship to strike the bottom, list, catch fire, and eventually sink.

All 75 crew members and scientists aboard safely evacuated the ship, though some incurred minor injuries on their way to shore.

Video Credits: NZ Defence Force/Facebook

Since the sinking, New Zealand’s navy has monitored the surrounding area to ensure no more environmental damage.

Regular beach surveys and drone overflights found no signs of pollution along the coastline. An aerial survey conducted on Thursday confirmed the presence of a 350-meter-long slick, which seems to be disappearing at sea.

The NZDF is cautiously optimistic, stating that the diesel leak is coming from a much smaller source than thought, as the main fuel tanks appear to be undamaged.

The ship had been carrying diesel fuel, which is less damaging to the environment than heavy fuel oil and reduces the risk of long-term pollution.

Efforts to clean up waste from the wreck site have begun, with locals helping to recover three containers that washed up on a nearby reef. The NZDF has set up an emergency number where Samoan residents can report any more debris that may wash ashore.

The NZDF is still exploring options for removing the remaining 950 tonnes of diesel fuel aboard the wreck. The ship is at a depth of 30 meters near a reef, raising concerns about the possibility of costly rescue efforts.

Commodore Andrew Brown of the New Zealand Defence Force said that the force is dedicated to working closely with the Samoan authorities in their ongoing response operations.

Reference: NZ Defence Force

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