The HMNZS Manawanui, a Royal New Zealand Navy vessel, became grounded and subsequently sank off the coast of Samoa due to human error, as detailed in an interim report. The incident took place on October 5 during survey operations when the ship hit a reef on the southern side of Samoa.
According to Rear Admiral Garin Golding, the Chief of Navy, the grounding was a direct result of multiple human errors, specifically the failure to disengage the ship’s autopilot at the necessary time. The crew mistakenly believed that the ship’s unresponsiveness stemmed from a thruster control failure rather than the autopilot’s continued engagement. Golding noted that standard procedures should have prompted crew members to verify that the vessel was under manual control, a check that was unfortunately overlooked.
While the complete outcome of the Court of Inquiry is still pending, initial findings emphasize the importance of addressing training, risk management, and improving relevant protocols. Golding is committed to learning from this incident to regain public trust and has expressed gratitude for the support from the Transport Accident Investigation Committee, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force during the inquiry process.
Defence Minister Judith Collins expressed her disappointment regarding the findings but recognized the Navy’s accountability and commitment to rectifying the situation. She also acknowledged the fortunate outcome that, despite the grounded ship and subsequent sinking, no lives were lost.
Golding confirmed that disciplinary actions would be taken against three key personnel linked to the grounding, and the Defence Force plans to start salvage operations dependent on weather conditions, aiming to have the process completed before the cyclone season.
The timeline of events leading to the grounding outlines a series of actions taken by the crew, culminating in the decision to abandon ship approximately 30 minutes after the initial grounding. This decision was critical in preventing serious injuries, and the ship ultimately sank the following morning after suffering catastrophic fires.
Overall, while the incident was unfortunate and revealed significant procedural failures, it also presents an opportunity for the Royal New Zealand Navy to enhance its operational protocols and strengthen training measures moving forward. This proactive approach signifies a commitment to safety and improved navigation practices.
In summary, the HMNZS Manawanui incident serves as a vital learning experience for the New Zealand Navy, reinforcing the importance of adherence to procedures to prevent future occurrences.
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