The HMNZS Manawanui, a vessel of the Royal New Zealand Navy, sank off the coast of Samoa due to human error, according to an interim report released recently. The incident occurred on October 5 while the ship was engaged in survey operations near Apia, Samoa, when it unintentionally grounded itself on a reef.
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding noted that the primary cause of the grounding was a failure to disengage the ship’s autopilot, resulting in a misunderstanding among the crew who erroneously believed the ship was unresponsive due to a thruster control failure. Golding emphasized the necessity of standard procedures that should have ensured crew verification of the autopilot status, a check that unfortunately did not happen.
Golding affirmed that efforts are ongoing to determine the full scope of the incident and indicated that a complete Court of Inquiry would be concluded by the first quarter of 2024. Following the investigation, there will be a separate disciplinary process for three personnel involved in the incident: the officer in control of the ship, the supervising officer, and the commanding officer. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the crew, emphasizing that human errors occur and that the Navy is committed to learning from this situation.
Defence Minister Judith Collins described the findings as “extremely disappointing” but acknowledged the Navy’s transparency in addressing the issue. She expressed relief that no lives were lost during the incident, highlighting that the outcome could have been far worse. The Navy has conducted preliminary audits to implement necessary training and risk management practices in response to the findings of the interim report.
A salvage operation is expected to begin on December 16, contingent on weather conditions, with the aim of completing it before the cyclone season. Notably, the vessel was insured for the salvage operations but not for replacement costs, which is a significant aspect of the unfolding situation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous training and adherence to protocols within military operations. As inquiries continue and corrective measures are put in place, there is an opportunity for the Royal New Zealand Navy to reinforce its commitment to safety and operational excellence. The situation also highlights the ongoing strong relationship between New Zealand and Samoa, as both nations work collaboratively to address the aftermath of this event.
Overall, while the grounding of HMNZS Manawanui was a troubling incident, it presents an opportunity for growth and improvement within the naval defense structure, ensuring better preparedness for similar scenarios in the future.
Leave a comment