WEATHER will play a major role in the recovery of fuels from the sunken HMNZS Manawanui off Samoa, according to the NZ Defence Force’s Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution.
Commodore Andrew Brown said the operation had reached a key milestone with the arrival in Apia from NZ of the Kurutai and barge Cronus, bringing the necessary equipment for the removal of the fuels and other pollutants. While in Apia, the salvors are working through the necessary approvals and permissions from the Samoan government.
“Essential engineering configuration changes and equipment preparation is underway, changing the barge from a cargo configuration to operational diving mode,” Commodore Brown said. “While this work is progressing, the salvors are confirming locations for the barge’s anchoring system installations.
“The NZDF has specialist engineering and dive personnel providing oversight and professional advice to the salvors. This response is complex and technical, and it’s extremely important we do a careful and thorough job.”
Once the work in Apia is completed this week, the barge will be towed to the location of Manawanui on the south west coast, Commodore Brown said, and anchored above the wreck with particular care taken to ensure anchor points don’t do any further damage to the reef the vessel struck on 5 October before sinking the following morning.
“The weather, particularly at this time of year, will play a part in the removal process. Site, weather and sea limits have been set for anchoring and crane operations, barge set up and for diving. How long the operation takes will be very dependent on factors such as weather and sea conditions.”
