An interim report regarding the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Samoa indicates that human error is to blame for the incident. The Royal New Zealand Navy vessel ran aground on October 5 while conducting survey operations in the area. Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding announced a Court of Inquiry following the incident and has shared preliminary findings.
According to the report, the ship’s autopilot remained engaged when it should have been disengaged. As a result, the crew mistakenly believed that the vessel’s failure to maneuver was due to a thruster control failure rather than the autopilot being active. Golding pointed out that the crew should have followed standard procedures to verify that the ship was under manual control, but this check did not take place.
Further investigation into why this oversight occurred, as well as recommendations for future prevention, will continue under the auspices of the Court of Inquiry, which is expected to be completed by early next year. Additionally, a separate disciplinary process will be initiated for three personnel involved in the incident.
In response to the situation, the Navy has begun a series of audits to implement immediate improvements in training, risk management, and procedural instructions, driven by the lessons from this preliminary report. Golding expressed gratitude for the support received from the Transport Accident Investigation Committee, as well as the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Defence Minister Judith Collins described the findings as “extremely disappointing” but commended the Navy for taking accountability for the incident. She emphasized that nobody was harmed during this event, which is a significant positive aspect considering the severity of the situation.
The salvage operations for the vessel, which costs approximately $100 million and is insured for retrieval but not replacement, are planned to begin the week of December 16, with hopes to complete them ahead of the cyclone season.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to operational protocols and the need for ongoing training and vigilance in maritime operations. As investigations unfold and improvements are made, it is hopeful that the outcomes will not only strengthen the Navy’s operational standards but also restore public trust.
Summary: An interim report attributes the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui near Samoa to human error, specifically the failure to disengage the autopilot. The Royal New Zealand Navy is conducting a thorough investigation and implementing immediate changes based on the findings to enhance safety protocols. The Defence Minister expressed disappointment over the incident but highlighted the absence of casualties. Salvage operations are set to begin soon, demonstrating the Navy’s commitment to resolving the situation effectively.
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