The New Zealand Defence Force discovered a slow diesel leak from an engine room pipe on a grounded survey ship. While the leak caused a small oil slick, there were no signs of leaks from the ship’s main fuel tanks, according to Marine Insight.
Fuel Tanks Intact
The NZDF stated that the accessible fuel tanks are still intact, and officials believe the amount of leaked diesel is less than initially assessed.
However, they could not provide an exact estimate of how much fuel had leaked because further assessments were underway.
The ship ran aground on October 5, 2024, while conducting a hydrographic survey about a nautical mile from shore. Rough seas and strong winds worsened the situation, forcing the ship to strike the bottom, list, catch fire, and eventually sink.
The NZDF is cautiously optimistic, stating that the diesel leak comes from a much smaller source than thought, as the main fuel tanks appear undamaged.
The ship had been carrying diesel fuel, which is less damaging to the environment than heavy fuel oil and reduces the risk of long-term pollution.
Efforts to clean up waste from the wreck site have begun, with locals helping to recover three containers that washed up on a nearby reef. The NZDF has set up an emergency number where Samoan residents can report any more debris that may wash ashore.
The NZDF is still exploring options for removing the remaining 950 tonnes of diesel fuel aboard the wreck. The ship is at a depth of 30 meters near a reef, raising concerns about the possibility of costly rescue efforts.
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Source: Marine Insight
