New Zealand Removes Second Container from Navy Vessel HMNZS Manawanui’s Wreck Site

New Zealand and Samoan support teams removed a second shipping container from the reef off Upolu Island on Monday as part of the ongoing salvage efforts following the sinking of the Royal New Zealand Navy ship, HMNZS Manawanui, on October 6.

The first container, removed on October 19, was empty, while the second container retrieved on October 21 was confirmed to contain food supplies, according to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). A third container, which is empty but damaged, is scheduled for removal, contingent on suitable weather conditions. Commodore Andrew Brown, NZDF Senior National Representative, stated, “We are planning for the removal tomorrow, if the conditions are right. It’s important that this work is carried out safely and with care.”

The NZDF is collaborating with local contractor ARK Marine for the container recovery operations, conducted with the approval of Samoan authorities and under the direct supervision of local officials. Commodore Brown emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring, stating that daily inspections of the vessel and shoreline will continue during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The monitoring efforts include one dive, one drone flight, and one beach patrol each day, timed to avoid disruptions to the event.

Sinking of HMNZS Manawanui Vessel

The HMNZS Manawanui lost power and ran aground approximately one nautical mile off Siumu, Upolu, while conducting survey work in adverse sea conditions on 5 October. Commander Yvonne Gray ordered the crew to abandon ship, leading to the successful evacuation of all 75 crew members by lifeboats and rigid hull inflatable boats, coordinated by the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre. Despite challenging weather conditions, rescue operations commenced at 7:52 PM, and by 9:00 AM on 6 October, the vessel had capsized after catching fire. At least 17 individuals sustained injuries, with some requiring hospitalization.

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) initiated salvage operations following the incident, which marked the first loss of a New Zealand naval vessel in peacetime since World War II. During its sinking, the Manawanui was reportedly carrying 950 tonnes of diesel, prompting local residents to report an oil spill that threatened both tourism and fishing industries. By 11 October, authorities confirmed a diesel leak estimated at 200,000 liters, raising significant environmental concerns among the local community, which has called for compensation for damages.

Samoa’s chair of the Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC), Fui Mau Simanu, told the Guardian the destruction in the surrounding area was “significant”. An initial assessment showed substantial damage of 5,000 sq metres to the reef where the shipwreck and anchor chain lie, he said.

Experts warn that the upcoming cyclone season in November could displace the wreck and worsen leaks, increasing the risk of marine contamination.

Pollution mitigation efforts will resume, with fuel removal operations anticipated to start in mid-November. This operation is expected to last about 20 days, depending on weather conditions.