In a significant milestone for the recovery operation, all three containers that came off the HMNZS Manawanui have been successfully removed from the reef. This achievement follows four days of coordinated effort between the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), local contractor Ark Marine, and the support of Samoan authorities.
Commodore Andrew Brown, Senior National Representative of the NZDF, expressed his satisfaction with the progress:
“After four days of coordination and effort, I am pleased to announce that we have removed all three containers that came off the ship,” he said. “This was a complex team effort where safety was paramount, and I want to thank and acknowledge all those involved in the process.”
The recovery operation was launched after the three 10ft shipping containers were dislodged from the Manawanui on 6 October 2024. Of the containers, two were empty, while one contained food. The contents of the food container were safely buried in a landfill, and all three containers have been properly disposed of at the port.
Ongoing Monitoring During Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
With the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting currently underway in Samoa, monitoring of the Manawanui and the surrounding shoreline will continue as a precautionary measure. This includes daily monitoring activities such as one dive, a drone flight, and a beach patrol. These efforts will be carefully timed to ensure minimal disruption to the event.
The successful removal of the containers marks a key step forward in the operation, reflecting the commitment of the NZDF and its partners to safeguarding the environment and ensuring the safety of ongoing efforts around the site.
A Team Effort
The operation demonstrated the importance of cooperation between the NZDF, local authorities, and Ark Marine, who worked tirelessly under challenging conditions to resolve the situation. The removal of the containers not only mitigated potential environmental risks but also ensured that operations in the area could continue without further disruption.
As monitoring continues, the NZDF remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of the area and preventing any further impact on the local environment.
