Fears continue to grow surrounding the impact the Manawanui Defence Force ship sinking will have on Samoan sea life. 

The Navy says the ship - which sunk after hitting a reef on Saturday - had 950 tonnes of diesel fuel onboard. 

Samoan locals say turtles have perished and oil can be smelt on Samoan beaches, while officials are scrambling to assess the damage. 

Waikato University marine scientist Chris Battershill join Jack Tame with more. 

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