Commodore Andrew Brown, Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution, praised the work carried out by specialist salvors Pacific7 Limited and Bay Underwater Services NZ Limited, highlighting their careful and thorough approach in challenging conditions.
“Another important milestone in Operation Resolution has been reached with the work to retrieve important equipment, weapons, ammunition and some debris from in and around HMNZS Manawanui now complete,”
— Commodore Andrew Brown
This milestone follows the earlier successful removal of diesel, oil, and other harmful materials from the vessel. The recovered materials—including all weapons and ammunition—have now been transported back to New Zealand on military aircraft. Much of the remaining scrap metal will be repurposed locally in Samoa, with unusable debris and pollutants being returned to Aotearoa via the salvors’ barge for safe and environmentally sound disposal.
Challenges at sea and salvors’ response
Sea conditions around the wreck have complicated the lifting of the specialised anchoring and mooring gear that secures the salvage barge above the site. However, the salvage team has adapted. While in port at Apia, the barge was reconfigured from a diving platform into a transport vessel to carry recovered material safely home.
This nimble shift in operations reflects the collaborative and flexible approach that’s been critical to the operation’s progress, with Commodore Brown also acknowledging the support and oversight provided by Samoan authorities.
“We also appreciate the local Samoan Authorities and Government officials, who have continued to provide their oversight, expertise and assistance throughout this important work,”
— Commodore Brown
A cautious path forward
With this phase of salvage work completed, attention now turns to the longer-term fate of the Manawanui. Environmental and reef studies are already underway, designed to sit alongside a broader independent wreck assessment. These evaluations are vital to ensuring the eventual decision around the wreck’s future is grounded in environmental science and marine expertise.
In the meantime, the Government of Samoa’s 2km Prohibited Area around the wreck remains in effect. This restriction ensures ongoing safety and environmental protection as investigations and studies continue.
“Every effort has been taken to leave the Manawanui as safe and secure as possible, until a decision is reached on next steps for the ship and the work required for that,”
— Commodore Brown
A dedicated NZDF task group remains in Samoa, providing a stable support presence and ensuring skilled personnel are on hand for any further steps required. Their work continues to uphold the operation’s strong environmental and diplomatic foundations.
Environmental focus remains front and centre
Perhaps most significantly, Operation Resolution represents a long-term commitment to doing right by Samoa’s fragile marine environment. The successful mitigation of environmental risks—particularly the removal of fuel and oil—was described by the NZDF as “extremely technical and challenging” but “incredibly important.”
“We continue to be absolutely committed to doing the right thing into the future,”
— Commodore Brown
As the operation transitions from recovery to planning and assessment, the work of safeguarding Samoa’s coastline continues—with the same focus, care, and cooperation that’s brought it this far.
