There is no sign of oil on the beaches of the Samoan marine reserve where the Manawanui sank over the weekend, but local conservationists say they would still like to see the wreck removed to preserve the delicate ecosystem in the area. The $100 million specialist survey ship hit a reef at the southern end of Upolu on Saturday night and sank Sunday morning. Locals have been reporting an oil-like substance in the water around the wreck, and rubbish floating everywhere.
The reef that the Manawanui struck is home to an array of fish rays and coral - and is famous for its large population of sea turtles. Samoa Conservation Society president James Atherton said a local fisherman had reported seeing dead turtles in the area after the sinking, but a quick survey of the area showed that any initial oil leakage had not settled on the shore. "I had a look at the reef today and it didn't look as as bad as I was thinking it could be, so I was actually a bit relieved.
"I did a very quick survey of the area where the boat went down and then around the coast to the west, where the prevailing currents and winds were taking everything westwards. From what I could see form the shoreline, the oil spill must have been out in the ocean, where it will be dissipated and spread quite quickly. Atherton said a drone would be sent up in the coming days to get aerial footage of the coastline and confirm any oil had not reached it.
He told Checkpoint the main issue was now over what would happen to the v.