Fuel leaks and the stench of rotting meat are causing headaches for tourism operators after the HMNZS Manawanui sank off the coast of Samoa nearly a week ago.
The New Zealand Navy survey ship capsized after hitting a reef and catching fire off Upolu on Saturday night.
While there is gratitude no one died in the incident, locals are angered after finding debris up the coast, including life rafts.
Meanwhile, diesel is continuing to leak from the ship and into the environment.
The Samoan Government’s Marine Pollution Advisory Committee confirmed the leakages, which it said was coming from the engine room service tanks where the fire broke out.
The committee said while it is continuing to leak, it appeared to be reducing by the day.
Locals said it’s imperative the leaks are contained — and fast.
Surfers out on the water today said the leaking fuel is largely past the reef.
Australian surfer Craig Tuesley said an oil slick in the water was “very, very evident”.
“Wherever we were in the boat, it was just a clear smell and stench of that shimmery oil colour that was very just thick in the water,” he said.
He described the water as feeling “like a slimy ‘put your hand in a heavy dishwater’-type feel”.
Food sources have also been contaminated.
Fisherman Pitoamoa Vaesata yesterday told 1News the fish he had caught was coated in fuel.
He said his family ate part of the meal but it tasted sour and smelled foul, and they felt ill and dizzy afterwards.
“This is our main resources, our marine resources — one of our backbones for our daily meals,” village high chief Tuia Pepae Pua said.
“I hope that this matter is being looked into seriously.”
‘Horrendous’ smell
The owner of tour company Offshore Adventures, Brent Ross, told 1News he had taken surfers out on the water today when they made a horrifying discovery.
“We thought we’d go have a look at where the shipping containers are, see if anything’s been done,” he said.
“We were approaching one, we couldn’t get close enough to it. The smell was horrendous.
“All rotten food, rotten meat.”
The smell also attracted many sharks, forcing the surfers back in the boat.
Tuesley said while they were used to being among sharks, “these ones were more curious and more active than what you really would class as being safe”.
“I do a lot of work in environmental areas and the container in particular, it smelt like a rotting whale.”
Ross said he was concerned about its environmental impact.
“My livelihood relies on this pristine environment and yeah, it’s heartbreaking to see what’s happening.”
Discussions on how to remove the container and the ship’s anchor from the reef without causing damage is ongoing.
The HMNZS Canterbury will be arriving in the coming days to help with the clean-up effort.
