Manawanui recently given the green tick after period of maintenance

The navy has confirmed that the Manawanui had recently undergone a maintenance period and was deemed safe for operation after post-maintenance trials.

All 75 crew and passengers were safely rescued before the vessel was lost. The ship had 950 tonnes of diesel fuel onboard, which poses a potential environmental threat, though the navy notes that the fuel is a lighter oil that may partially evaporate, reducing its toxicity. Local conservationists are urging the removal of the wreck to protect the area’s delicate ecosystem. Concerns had been raised about the possibility of oil leaks prior to the ship’s departure, but

The Defence Force has launched a Court of Inquiry to investigate the incident and gather facts, but the inquiry cannot issue legal penalties, nor can its findings be used in court.

Rear Admiral Garin Golding assured that all the necessary processes were followed before the ship’s deployment, and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said it was important not to jump to conclusions. While parts of the investigation will remain confidential due to “commercial sensitivity”, the inquiry aims to provide early insights into the cause of the sinking. The Manawanui was not covered by insurance, as Royal New Zealand Navy vessels are typically uninsured due to the high costs and restrictions associated with policies for military operations in hazardous environments.