The Samoa Maritime Police and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services rescued 75 sailors from New Zealand naval ship HMNZS Manawanui on Saturday night after the vessel ran aground on a reef off the coast of Siumu.
Early Sunday morning, a tug boat from the Samoa Ports Authority (SPA) was dispatched to assess the situation. There were concerns regarding an oil spill following reports that the vessel had caught fire.
The SPA tug boat was deployed to assist with efforts to prevent further damage. The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) is on standby and may be activated based on ongoing developments.
There are mounting concerns about a potential oil spill from the vessel, and the Police and Fire Commissioners are closely monitoring the rescue and mitigation operations. Local authorities are working diligently to keep residents in the surrounding areas informed of the situation and ensure their safety.
In a successful rescue operation, 75 individuals aboard the Manawanui were safely evacuated, with some being transported to the residence of the New Zealand High Commission.
The Manawanui was declared an abandoned vessel late on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Environment, MNRE is now conducting an environmental impact assessment on the marine ecosystem and surrounding areas off the coast of Siumu village.
The HMNZS Manawanui is not recoverable and has sunk into the ocean.
“The possibility of an oil spill is high,” said the Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio.
“NEOC led by MNRE is now conducting an environmental impact assessment on the marine ecosystem and surrounding areas,” he said.
“I visited the crew to give moral support and assured them of their comfort and any other assistance the Samoa Government can provide,” said Tuala.
“I also spoke with Prime Minister of NZ,Luxon, who expressed gratitude to Samoa for its efforts to rescue the crew, especially in difficult conditions and during darkness.
Prime Minister Luxon has also offered to provide assistance as required to assist the Samoan government.
“I would also like to commend our Commissioner of Police and Commissioner of Fire, Emergency, and Rescue Services for their great efforts to rescue the crew of Manawanui.
“A word must also go out to the ship’s commander for her call to abandon ship and to the crew for their courage and bravery during this difficult situation,” he said.
