Samoa’s government and environmental agencies remain vigilant following the sinking of a New Zealand Navy ship off Upolu’s south coast. The HMNZS Manawanui, a vessel specialized for diving and hydrographic research, ran aground while conducting a reef survey on Saturday night.
Rescue operations successfully evacuated 75 crew members and passengers using liferafts and other boats. According to Samoa’s fire commissioner, Tanuvasa Petone, the vessel caught fire and sank early Sunday morning after everyone was safely off board. Three individuals required hospital treatment for minor injuries.
“The crew is now safe on land, with only a few offering minor injuries that required treatment before being transferred to the hospital,” Petone stated. He noted that the weather conditions at the time were “quite rough and windy.”
Local resident Manu, who witnessed the incident, expressed confusion about why the ship was so close to the reef. He explained that the vessel hit a deeper section of the reef, commonly referred to as a “bommie,” following recent heavy swells. “I don’t understand why he was there. Although this is a scientific research boat, there’s no reason to be that close to the reef given the swell conditions,” he remarked, voicing concerns over potential environmental harm caused by the grounding.
Defence Minister Judith Collins, speaking from the Devonport Naval Base, labeled the situation as “a very sad day for the Navy.” She announced plans for a Court of Inquiry to investigate the incident, emphasizing that it was too early to determine the cause of the grounding. Her focus remains on minimizing environmental impacts and salvaging the remains of the HMNZS Manawanui.
Collins confirmed that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been briefed regarding the developments. Rear Admiral Garin Golding reported that two crew members were hospitalized, one with a dislocated shoulder and another with a back injury, while a further 12-15 crew members received treatment for minor cuts and bruises.
Labour’s Defence spokesperson, Peeni Henare, called the incident devastating and expressed relief that everyone is safe. He praised the coordinated rescue efforts and assured that New Zealand and its partners are committed to providing support to Samoa at this difficult time.
The HMNZS Manawanui is a dedicated dive and hydrographic research vessel that regularly undertakes missions in the Pacific. The ship was bought and modified at a cost of $103 million, entering service in late 2019. On Saturday night, marine tracking systems recorded the vessel as being aground close to Siumu village. Maritime component commander Commodore Shane Arndell clarified that the incident occurred while the crew was conducting a reef survey.
The initial rescue operations involved evacuating the crew onto life rafts before they were transported ashore. “They are being supported in Samoa or on supporting vessels,” Arndell explained. The New Zealand Defence Force collaborated with Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre, which coordinated rescue efforts that included the deployment of a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon.
Photos from the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority show crew members receiving assistance, with many appearing to be in good spirits despite the circumstances. HMNZS Manawanui had set sail from Auckland’s Devonport naval base on September 29 and has a core crew of 39, with a top speed of 14 knots. The ship participated in operations in November 2023, assisting with underwater surveys and the disposal of submerged World War II bombs in the region.