Acting Samoan Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, says there is no evidence of oil spillage in the area where the New Zealand naval ship HMNZS Manwanui sank except for small leakages coming from the sunken vessel.
In a statement released by the Acting PM’s office Tuesday, he referred to the confirmation report from Captain Dowling, Commander of Operations and Chairman of the Samoa Marine Pollution Advisory Committee, Fui Mau Simanu on the current situation related to HMNZ Manawanui.
“According to the report, there is no evidence of oil spillage onto the reefs, ashore and around the area, as of 1030hrs this morning, except for small leakages of oil coming from the vessel,” said Tuala.
“This has been contained using specialised equipment being deployed onsite.
“A combined full force and priority has been given to this incident and a team of divers and marine experts have been deployed out to the site of the vessel.”
A full assessment of the situation is expected sometime this afternoon. In the meantime, marine scientists are carrying out sample testing of the nearby waters and beaches for any traces of oil.
The public has been asked for their support and assistance in returning to the authorities any property or belongings that are believed to be from this incident and reporting any sightings of oil or other concerns.
The latest statement from the government contradicts reports from affected villagers that claim to have sighted oil spills and a lot of fuel at sea.
As of Tuesday, the coast of Tafitoala village surrounding the wreckage of New Zealand Navy Ship HMNZS Manawanui is declared a prohibited area as the Oil Spill Response operations are underway.
James Atherton of Samoa Conservation Society said their rapid assessment of the Safata coast on Monday found limited signs of oil pollution or debris on the nearby shore.
He added a more thorough survey with drones is needed to be certain.
“While we were informed that oil had washed up on the shore to the west of the sinking site at Sataoa on Sunday, it had washed away today when we visited Sataoa,” said Atherton.
“We were also informed that some turtles were found dead at the reef at Sataoa, possibly due to an oil spill, but this needs to be investigated.
“There should be an aerial survey of the reefs and ocean around the sunk vessel and westwards along the Tafitoala peninsula and westwards towards Sataoa using drones and boats to see if there is debris or even an oil spill.
Atherton said oil spill management experts and divers needed to investigate the wreck and longer-term action was needed to deal with oil still in the sunken hull.
Fishermen in the villages of Saanapu, Tafitoala and Sataoa who spoke with the Samoa Observer said there was a lot of fuel scattered in the area since Monday threatening their livelihoods.
Earlier this week the Acting PM addressed the nation on the sunken NZ Navy ship noting the possibility of an oil spill is highly probable. NEOC led by Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) is conducting an environmental impact assessment on the marine ecosystem and surrounding areas.
