The Navy’s diving support vessel, HMNZS Manawanui and an RNZAF P3 Orion helped recover a number of packages of toxic magnesium phosphide from the sea near Poor Knights Island in Northland earlier this month. The first toxic pod was located and the ship’s RHIB (small boat) was vectored to the pods by a helicopter brought in to help retrieve the material. The pods were boat-hooked and towed back to the ship and inspected more closely, including by a more thorough gas detector test. A total of 13 pods was recovered. Specialists from Maritime Safety Authority, NZ Fire Service and fumigation contractor, Genera Ltd also helped with the recovery. Magnesium phosphide is used to fumigate ships’ holds.