The third and final container which came off the HMNZS Manawanui when it sank in Samoa has been removed from the reef, the Defence Force has confirmed.
The containers, each 3m long, came off the Manawanui on October 6 when the ship capsized. The NZDF said two containers were empty, while one contained food.
The containers were all being safely disposed of at the nearby port, and the food has been buried at a landfill.
Senior national representative commodore Andrew Brown said the removal took four days of coordination between the NZDF, local contractor Ark Marine, and the support of Samoan authorities.
“This was a complex team effort where safety was paramount, and I want to thank and acknowledge all those involved in the process.”
The NZDF confirmed monitoring of the Manawanui and shoreline would continue during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, being held in Samoa from October 25 to 26.
