The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) retrieve the containers from the reef off the south-west coast of Upolu. Photo credit: NZDF.
Currently, a team of 20 Navy divers from HMNZS Matataua are leading underwater surveillance of HMNZS Manawanui, in Samoa.
Dive tasks include fuel leak monitoring and containment, checks on the integrity of the main fuel tanks, damage assessment and any physical changes to the vessel, and as required retrieval of equipment and debris from the vessel and its surrounds.
A surface team of five, supporting two divers, conduct multiple dives of up to 25 minutes in duration.
Diving operations are conducted following strict safety and risk management processes.
Medical and safety personnel are available on site and form part of the diving capability.
Deliberate and meticulous planning is conducted for each dive utilising data and information provided by underwater surveillance and monitoring.
Commodore Andrew Brown says he would like to note and celebrate with the people of Samoa on the very successful hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government event which concluded over the weekend.
“Our priority remains to mitigate any possible environmental impacts for Samoa,” Commodore Brown says.
“We continue this activity in support of the Samoan Government, who are managing the overall response.”
