The HMNZS Manawanui, a vessel of the Royal New Zealand Navy, tragically grounded and sank off the coast of Samoa due to a series of human errors, according to an interim report released by the Navy. The incident occurred on October 5 while the ship was conducting survey operations on the southern side of Samoa.
Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, stated that the ship’s autopilot remained active when it should have been disengaged, leading the crew to misunderstand why the vessel was unresponsive to navigational changes. Golding emphasized that standard operating procedures were not followed, which would have prompted the crew to confirm that the ship was under manual control.
The Chief of Navy assured that the inquiry continues to investigate the details surrounding the incident and that a complete report is expected by early next year. Following the inquiry, a separate disciplinary process will be initiated for three crew members involved in the situation.
To proactively address the issues identified, Golding announced that the Navy had already begun to implement improvements in training and risk management, with support from the Transport Accident Investigation Committee (TAIC) and naval allies. He expressed gratitude for Samoa’s assistance and reiterated the New Zealand Defence Force’s commitment to collaboration with local authorities.
Defence Minister Judith Collins expressed her disappointment regarding the findings but acknowledged the Navy’s transparency and commitment to rectifying the failures. She highlighted the fortunate circumstance that no lives were lost during this serious incident.
Similarly, Golding confirmed that salvage operations would commence in mid-December, with expectations for recovery efforts to conclude before cyclone season begins. The Manawanui, valued at $100 million, is insured for salvaging but not for replacement.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of strict adherence to standard operating procedures within maritime operations. The Royal New Zealand Navy is taking steps to learn from this experience to prevent similar occurrences in the future, illustrating a strong commitment to safety and accountability.
Overall, while the situation is unfortunate, it provides an opportunity for the Navy to strengthen its protocols and build future resilience against similar risks.
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