Wednesday, 16 October 2024, 4:46 pm Press Release: New Zealand Defence Force
Drone
image of HMNZS Manawanui (11 October) / Supplied:
NZDF
Three containers from the
ship remain out on the reef. The team has emptied one of the
containers and one was already empty.
The New
Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) task group ashore and Maritime
NZ have confirmed that so far no pollution has been found on
the shorelines, nor any deceased wildlife.
The NZDF
continues to conduct daily beach surveys together with local
authorities and have not found any evidence of pollution or
fuel affecting the shoreline.
RNZAF uncrewed aerial
vehicles have been assisting with shoreline
surveys.
Diving continues with a focus on damage
assessment and obtaining imagery to aid in the investigation
and containment.
An RNZAF P-8A Poseidon and crew
have conducted several surveillance flights to provide
imagery and assessments of the site.
Tomorrow HMNZS
Canterbury will arrive in Apia harbour to support the
Government of Samoa’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting. The ship is also transporting equipment
that can assist in our ongoing response.
Underwater
footage of HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa (12 October) / Supplied:
NZDF