NZ Naval ship Samoa fuel leak

A Royal New Zealand Navy ship, HMNZS Manawanui, has leaked diesel after capsizing off the coast of Samoa. The New Zealand Defence Force reported that all 75 crew and passengers were evacuated safely after the vessel ran aground on October 5. Initial estimates indicated that up to 200,000 litres of fuel could leak, but new assessments suggest it’s likely less.

Samoa’s Marine Pollution Advisory Committee confirmed oil is leaking from three locations on the ship. Although leakage is reportedly decreasing, officials stressed the urgency of stopping it entirely. Investigations are underway to determine the cause and assess environmental damage.