Authorities in Samoa have warned of a “highly probable” oil spill after the New Zealand navy ship, HMNZS Manawanui, sank and caught fire off the coast of Upolu, Samoa’s most populous island. The ship ran aground on a reef before sinking, raising concerns about environmental damage in the Pacific waters.
Samoa’s acting Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, stated that an environmental impact assessment is underway to gauge the potential consequences. The vessel had been conducting a reef survey when it encountered trouble, leading to a fire and the evacuation of all 75 personnel on board. Rescue efforts were complicated by darkness and rough seas, with survivors reaching shore after five hours.
New Zealand’s Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, confirmed the ship’s loss, describing the challenging conditions faced by the crew. Among those rescued were civilian scientists and foreign military personnel, some of whom sustained minor injuries.
The HMNZS Manawanui, a specialist dive and hydrographic vessel, had been in service since 2019. It is unlikely to be salvaged, according to New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins. She also highlighted the risk of a fuel spill from the vessel, which carried significant amounts of fuel.
New Zealand has pledged to address any environmental fallout from the incident, with Collins acknowledging that the country would be responsible for cleanup efforts should a spill occur.
The cause of the disaster remains unclear, and New Zealand will conduct an official inquiry into the ship’s loss.
(Edited with inputs from agencies)