Government and environmental officials in Samoa are on high alert following the fire and sinking of a New Zealand Navy vessel off the southern coast of Upolu. The HMNZS Manawanui, a specialist dive and hydrographic ship, was conducting a reef survey when it struck the reef on Saturday night.
All 75 crew members and passengers were evacuated using liferafts and other rescue boats. Fire Commissioner Tanuvasa Petone reported that the ship caught fire and sank early Sunday morning, following a successful rescue operation. Three individuals required hospital treatment; however, everyone was accounted for and safe, with only minor injuries reported.
Petone noted that the sea conditions were quite rough and windy at the time of the incident. A local resident, Manu, expressed confusion about why the vessel was so close to the reef and highlighted the potential environmental risks posed by the grounding.
Defence Minister Judith Collins described the day as “very sad for the Navy,” announcing that a Court of Inquiry will be set up to investigate the grounding, although the exact cause remains unclear. She emphasized the need to minimize environmental impacts and recover any remnants of the HMNZS Manawanui.
Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, confirmed that two crew members were hospitalized—one with a dislocated shoulder and another with a back injury—while 12 to 15 others suffered minor cuts and soreness. Labour’s Defence spokesperson Peeni Henare conveyed his relief that all crew members were safe and lauded the efforts of those involved in the rescue.
The HMNZS Manawanui, which cost $103 million to procure and modify, performs various tasks across the Pacific. The ship had most recently been involved in a seven-week operation to conduct underwater surveys and dispose of submerged WWII bombs in Niue, Fiji, and Vanuatu.