HMNZS Manawanui grounded on a reef at the southern end of Upolu in Samoa on 5 October 2024, the ship then caught fire, capsized and sank. Photo: Supplied
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) says the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa is continuing to maintain regular monitoring around the sunken Manawanui.
The Manawanui sunk in October 2024 due to crew error.
NZDF commodore Andrew Brown said the research organ isation is keeping a close eye on the surrounding waters.
"They report the seawater and marine life in the area are clear and uncontaminated."
Brown said the salvors have cut access into the ship and retrieved weapons and ammunition from secure compartments.
"We've been careful and thorough, checking serial numbers and taking photographic records to ensure every item is accounted for."
Brown said a wreck assessment is being conducted by independent experts, which includes studies of the reef and marine environment in the vicinity of Manawanui, to help inform the next steps.
The Samoa government is to decide what happens to the vessel.
"The Samoan and New Zealand governments are now working through what the next steps are," Brown said.
"A wreck assessment is being conducted by independent experts, which includes studies of the reef and marine environment in the vicinity of Manawanui. This will help inform the next steps."
New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins said she understood the Samoan government favoured the Manawanui being left on the reef and "they're working through how that might happen".
But Samoa Marine Advisory Committee chair Fui Tupai Mau Simanu said there were three options before Samoa's Cabinet in a report.
"The decision awaits when the report comes out and then we'll finally make public what the decision is."
Last month, communities in the Safata district affected by the sinking of Manawanui said they continued to notice fuel odours in their vicinity.
The 'No Fish' notice has been lifted for more than 4000 people in nine villages on the south coast of Upolu.
The "prohibited zone", which is a two-kilometre radius around the site, remains in place.
