A Court of Inquiry has been initiated to investigate how the HMNZS Manawanui, a $100 million New Zealand naval vessel, ran aground and sank off the coast of Samoa.
The ship, which was conducting a reef survey, struck the reef on Saturday evening. Despite efforts to free the vessel, it began listing and was evacuated under Commander Yvonne Gray’s orders.
By Sunday morning, the boat had capsized, sinking near Upolu’s southern coast. No lives were lost, and all 75 onboard, including civilians and foreign personnel, were safely evacuated, though two individuals were hospitalised with injuries.
Former Defence Minister Ron Mark told Newstalk ZB he was deeply disappointed over the loss of the ship, which was considered an “innovative purchase” for the Navy.
Meanwhile Defence Minister Judith Collins praised the swift decision to evacuate, which likely prevented fatalities, and called the rescue efforts “extraordinary”.
While environmental impacts are being assessed, salvaging the vessel is deemed unlikely.
The Court of Inquiry will determine the cause of the incident, with Rear Admiral Garin Golding cautioning against early speculation. The incident marks the first peacetime loss of a New Zealand naval ship.
Just watch the HMNZS Manawanui burn and sink. Sad day for NZ and locals pic.twitter.com/XBMNfC3XJ1
— Dave Poole (@pooliecoast) October 5, 2024
Almost like it was “by design”. Another “to stupid to be stupid” event.