‘Highly probable’ oil spill from shipwrecked New Zealand navy vessel
The HMNZS Manawanui sinking near Samoa has raised concerns about a potential environmental catastrophe. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The recent sinking of an oil-laden vessel has raised significant concerns about a potential environmental catastrophe.
Authorities in Samoa, a Pacific island nation, have alerted the public to the possibility of an oil spill following the incident involving a New Zealand navy ship. The HMNZS Manawanui, measuring 85 meters, ran aground on a reef near Upolu, Samoa, before igniting and ultimately sinking on Sunday, prompting alarm regarding the ecological impact.
During a press conference late Sunday, acting Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio indicated that the likelihood of a fuel spill is “highly probable.” He stated that the vessel was “not recoverable” as it “has sunk into the ocean.”
In response to the situation, New Zealand authorities have mobilized an urgent clean-up effort. Defense Minister Judith Collins emphasized that “the environmental side” remains “the top priority.” Collins remarked to radio network Newstalk ZB, “[The vessel] has got a lot of oil on board. It’s got all sorts of things. It’s got lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, diesel… it’s got a lot of stuff in it.”
Residents of coastal villages near the shipwreck reported a strong oil odor shortly before the vessel went down. Dr. Iati Iati from Victoria University of Wellington noted, “In terms of the environment, the vast majority of Samoa’s biodiversity and biomass exists really close to the shore. So, you just cannot afford to have any oil spills hit the coastal ecosystem.” He also cautioned that there could be public outrage directed at New Zealand and suggested that Samoa should initiate its own investigation to hold its neighbor accountable.
The New Zealand defense force announced the initiation of a court of inquiry into the ship's loss, a process that may take up to two months.
Historically, New Zealand's most significant maritime environmental disaster was the 2011 sinking of the container ship Rena, which carried over 1,700 tonnes of heavy fuel; the resulting spill took years to clean.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
Authorities in Samoa, a Pacific island nation, have alerted the public to the possibility of an oil spill following the incident involving a New Zealand navy ship. The HMNZS Manawanui, measuring 85 meters, ran aground on a reef near Upolu, Samoa, before igniting and ultimately sinking on Sunday, prompting alarm regarding the ecological impact.
During a press conference late Sunday, acting Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio indicated that the likelihood of a fuel spill is “highly probable.” He stated that the vessel was “not recoverable” as it “has sunk into the ocean.”
In response to the situation, New Zealand authorities have mobilized an urgent clean-up effort. Defense Minister Judith Collins emphasized that “the environmental side” remains “the top priority.” Collins remarked to radio network Newstalk ZB, “[The vessel] has got a lot of oil on board. It’s got all sorts of things. It’s got lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, diesel… it’s got a lot of stuff in it.”
Residents of coastal villages near the shipwreck reported a strong oil odor shortly before the vessel went down. Dr. Iati Iati from Victoria University of Wellington noted, “In terms of the environment, the vast majority of Samoa’s biodiversity and biomass exists really close to the shore. So, you just cannot afford to have any oil spills hit the coastal ecosystem.” He also cautioned that there could be public outrage directed at New Zealand and suggested that Samoa should initiate its own investigation to hold its neighbor accountable.
The New Zealand defense force announced the initiation of a court of inquiry into the ship's loss, a process that may take up to two months.
Historically, New Zealand's most significant maritime environmental disaster was the 2011 sinking of the container ship Rena, which carried over 1,700 tonnes of heavy fuel; the resulting spill took years to clean.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
