HMNZS MANAWANUI

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Course/Position

Latest news

Independent experts undertaking a wreck assessment on the possible tourism dive site

The HMNZS 'Manawanui' is being made as secure as possible, with independent experts undertaking a wreck assessment on the possible tourism dive site. The Government of Samoa favours the ship becoming a permanent fixture as a tourism-focused dive site. After the diesel fuel and other pollutants have successfully been removed, salvage crews were now working to recover equipment, weapons, ammunition and some debris. After a brief visit to the Port of Apia to reconfigure the salvors’ barge, it’s back moored over the 'Manawanui'. Using their highly-specialised diving and salvage capability, the salvors have cut access into the ship and retrieved weapons and ammunition from secure compartments. The Samoan and New Zealand Governments were mwanwhile working through what the next steps are. The wreck assessment i ncludes studies of the reef and marine environment in the vicinity of the 'Manawanui'. Report with photo: https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/naval/15792-wrecked-hmnzs-manawanui-made-secure-as-possible-for-potential-dive-site

Recovery of weapons and ammunition from wreck

The recovery of weapons and ammunition from the HMZS 'Manawanui' will begin as the salvage crew has completed the removal of diesel fuel and pollutants eliminating an environmental threat, New Zealand Defense Force officials said on MArch 26. The next phase of the operation focuses on recovering weapons, ammunition, equipment, and debris from the wreck, according to Commodore Andrew Brown, the NZDF Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution. After a brief visit to the Port of Apia to reconfigure the salvors’ barge, it’s back moored over the 'Manawanui'. Salvors have accessed secure compartments to retrieve weapons and ammunition using specialised diving and salvage techniques. The authorities have worked closely with the Samoan Police Service to ensure the safe and secure storage of recovered weapons and ammunition. Some of the ammunition has deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to seawater and is being safely disposed of with assistance from Samoan officials. The remaining weapons, equipment, and debris will be transported back to New Zealand. The Samoan and New Zealand governments are determining the next steps, with independent experts conducting a wreck assessment. The evaluation includes studies of the reef and marine environment surrounding the wreck. The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa continues to monitor the area and has reported no contamination of seawater or marine life.

Sunken ship will become part of the reef as diving spot

The government of Samoa sees no need to salvage the sunken HMNZS 'Manawanui'. Since mid-January the NZ tug 'Kurutai' and the barge 'Cronus' have been operating between the port of Apia and the wreck site outside Tafitoala on the South Coast of Upolu, removing the fuel and other pollutants. Now the Samoan Government wants the wreck to remain off the coast, which could eventually become a tourist attraction on a water depth of 35 metres as an excellent diving spot and become a part of the reef. The Samoa Conservation Society has backed the idea, provided all environmental hazards are removed. Corals will grow up on the wreck very fast and it will be claimed by nature. The owners of the Sina PJ Beach Fales in Tafitoala have also welcomed the idea. For them, this would mean an increase in business. The business is based on surf operations. but the area where surfing takes place is inside the restricted two-kilometre zone to safeguard the salvage works that is being currently carried out. The NZDF will not replace the 'Manawanui'.