New Zealand Navy Shipwreck Likely to Cause Oil Spill
The recent sinking of HMNZS Manawanui near Samoa has raised concerns about a potential environmental disaster. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The sinking of an oil-laden research vessel has raised concerns about an environmental catastrophe on a Pacific island reef.
The government of Samoa has issued warnings regarding a potential oil spill following the sinking of a New Zealand navy ship off its coast. The 85-meter HMNZS Manawanui ran aground on a reef near Upolu Island, subsequently catching fire and sinking on Sunday, igniting fears of ecological damage.
Acting Samoan Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio stated in a Sunday press conference that a fuel spill was “highly probable” and described the vessel as “not recoverable” since it "has sunk into the ocean."
In response, New Zealand authorities have initiated an urgent cleanup operation, with Defense Minister Judith Collins emphasizing that “the environmental side” was “the top priority.”
Collins explained, “[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,” during an interview on radio network Newstalk ZB.
Residents in coastal villages near the wreck site reported a strong oil odor just before the sinking occurred.
Dr. Iati Iati from Victoria University of Wellington highlighted the ecological stakes, noting, “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 indicated that there would likely be frustration directed at New Zealand and suggested that Samoa should conduct its own investigation to seek accountability.
In light of the incident, New Zealand’s defense force has initiated a court of inquiry into the ship's loss, which is expected to take up to two months.
For context, New Zealand’s most significant maritime environmental disaster occurred in 2011 with the sinking of the container ship Rena, which was carrying over 1,700 tonnes of heavy fuel. The cleanup of that fuel spill extended over several years.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
The government of Samoa has issued warnings regarding a potential oil spill following the sinking of a New Zealand navy ship off its coast. The 85-meter HMNZS Manawanui ran aground on a reef near Upolu Island, subsequently catching fire and sinking on Sunday, igniting fears of ecological damage.
Acting Samoan Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio stated in a Sunday press conference that a fuel spill was “highly probable” and described the vessel as “not recoverable” since it "has sunk into the ocean."
In response, New Zealand authorities have initiated an urgent cleanup operation, with Defense Minister Judith Collins emphasizing that “the environmental side” was “the top priority.”
Collins explained, “[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,” during an interview on radio network Newstalk ZB.
Residents in coastal villages near the wreck site reported a strong oil odor just before the sinking occurred.
Dr. Iati Iati from Victoria University of Wellington highlighted the ecological stakes, noting, “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 indicated that there would likely be frustration directed at New Zealand and suggested that Samoa should conduct its own investigation to seek accountability.
In light of the incident, New Zealand’s defense force has initiated a court of inquiry into the ship's loss, which is expected to take up to two months.
For context, New Zealand’s most significant maritime environmental disaster occurred in 2011 with the sinking of the container ship Rena, which was carrying over 1,700 tonnes of heavy fuel. The cleanup of that fuel spill extended over several years.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
