Samoa has issued a warning of a “highly probable” oil spill following the sinking and fire outbreak of a New Zealand navy ship off the coast of the Pacific island nation. The acting Prime Minister of Samoa expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact resulting from this incident.
According to reports, the vessel, known as the HMNZS Manawanui, ran aground on a reef and subsequently sank while catching fire. All 75 individuals onboard the ship were successfully evacuated to safety on life rafts, despite facing challenging conditions and darkness during the rescue operation.
New Zealand’s Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding confirmed the incident, stating that the vessel was approximately a mile from the shore when it grounded on the reef and started taking on water. The survivors, including civilian scientists and foreign military personnel, faced a five-hour journey to reach the land.
Authorities in Samoa are now conducting an environmental impact assessment in the area where the ship sank to evaluate the potential consequences of an oil spill. New Zealand officials have announced plans to conduct a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the disaster and assess the circumstances surrounding the loss of the ship.
The HMNZS Manawanui, a specialist dive and hydrographic vessel that had been in service since 2019, was reportedly carrying a significant amount of fuel at the time of the incident. Efforts are underway to determine the extent of the potential environmental damage that may result from the sinking.
Despite the rescue operation being successful, some individuals onboard were treated for minor injuries. The Defence Minister of New Zealand, Judith Collins, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and emphasised the need to address any environmental consequences that may arise from the incident.
In light of this incident, concerns have been raised about the state of New Zealand’s military equipment, with a previous report highlighting issues faced by the navy in maintaining and servicing its vessels due to staffing challenges. The Defence Agency described the navy as “extremely fragile,” with several ships remaining inactive due to maintenance issues.
As investigations continue into the cause of the shipwreck and the potential environmental impact, both New Zealand and Samoa are working towards addressing the aftermath of this maritime disaster and mitigating any further risks to the marine ecosystem.