The sinking of an oil-laden vessel has sparked fears of an environmental disaster
The government of the Pacific island nation of Samoa has warned of a possible oil spill following the sinking of a New Zealand navy ship off the coast.
The 85-meter HMNZS Manawanui ran aground on a reef off the coast of the Samoan island of Upolu before catching fire and sinking on Sunday, triggering fears of an environmental disaster.
In a press conference late on Sunday, acting Samoan Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio said a fuel spill was “highly probable.” The vessel was “not recoverable” as it “has sunk into the ocean,” he added.
The New…