New Zealand Navy begins fuel removal from sunken HMNZS Manawanui off Samoa

The New Zealand Navy is starting the fuel removal operation from the HMNZS Manawanui, which sank off Samoa in October. Two salvage companies are involved in the effort to extract nearly 1,000 tonnes of fuel from the sunken vessel. Officials estimate that up to 200,000 litres of fuel have already leaked into the sea. The Navy has a plan in place to manage potential leaks during the operation, with equipment and personnel ready to respond quickly. Samoan authorities are testing the water for pollution, while the Navy monitors the situation with drones and divers. An interim report on the sinking has been submitted for legal review before public release.