The Royal New Zealand Navy has experienced a significant loss, marking the first time since World War II that it has unintentionally sunk a ship. HMNZS Manawanui, a specialized diving and ocean imaging vessel, ran aground off the coast of Samoa near Upolu Island on Saturday night while conducting a survey of a reef.
Shortly after the incident, the ship caught fire and subsequently capsized, resulting in a rapid response from rescue teams. All 75 individuals on board, including seven scientists and four foreign military personnel, were safely evacuated onto lifeboats and rescued early on Sunday, as confirmed by New Zealand’s Defence Force.
The exact cause of the grounding remains under investigation, with officials noting that the incident occurred during rough and windy weather conditions. Military personnel reported that rescuers faced challenging circumstances, including strong currents and swells that complicated the evacuation efforts. “Rescuers battled currents and winds that pushed life rafts and sea boats towards the reefs,” officials stated.
The area where HMNZS Manawanui encountered trouble had not been surveyed since 1987, raising questions about the navigational hazards present in the region. After their rescue, the crew and passengers were accommodated in Samoa before being scheduled for return flights to New Zealand.
At approximately 06:40 local time on Sunday, witnesses reported seeing the ship heavily listing with smoke billowing from it. Defence Minister Judith Collins expressed her sorrow over the incident during a news conference, describing it as “a really sad day for the Navy.” However, she praised the crew’s professionalism and courage, stating, “Everyone came through, and that, I have to say, is down to the professionalism of the crew, their training, and their own courage.”
Eyewitness Dave Poole shared his account with Reuters, stating, “As we came into the bay, we saw the ship and no smoke. Within 15 minutes, fire and smoke were visible. It sank shortly after.”
HMNZS Manawanui is the first naval vessel to be unintentionally sunk since New Zealand’s involvement in naval battles during World War II. While other ships have been intentionally sunk for various purposes, including creating artificial reefs, this incident marks a somber moment for the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Military officials are now focusing their efforts on salvaging the vessel and mitigating any environmental impacts resulting from its sinking.
