The New Zealand Defence Force says the removal of fuel from HMNZS Manawanui will begin next month.
Pacific 7 Limited and Bay Underwater Services NZ Ltd have been engaged by the defence force to remove, recover and dispose safely of fuel and other pollutants that are on board the vessel.
The NZ Navy vessel sank on a coral reef off the coast of Upolu after running aground and catching fire on October 6. All 75 of its passengers and crew safely evacuated.
Equipment will leave on a salvage vessel next week, with an estimated sailing time of up to 11 days.
The NZDF Senior National Representative for Operation, the response to the grounding and sinking of Manawanui, Commodore Andrew Brown, said today the operation to remove the fuel would be done as quickly and as safely as possible.
However, he added this would be dependent on several factors, such as weather and sea conditions, as bad weather could also impact the mobilisation of equipment and personnel from New Zealand and the passage to Samoa.
“The weather plays an important, but unpredictable, part in this operation. It is important to emphasize that the NZDF’s intent is to get the fuel and other pollutants off the vessel as soon as we can.
“That needs to be done safely, with minimal risk to the personnel involved. We are committed to working in partnership with the Samoan Government as this important work to get the fuel and pollutants out of the HMNZS Manawanui proceeds,” Commodore Brown said.
“The approach will be to prioritise the largest potential risks, with the bulk fuel removed first, and progressing to the smaller quantities of oils and other contaminants. In the end we do not expect it will be safe or practical to remove absolutely all the liquids, however the objective is to do everything practicable to limit or stop any potential damage to the environment.”
The Defence Force previously said it was expected to begin in November.
