A routine mission in the Pacific turned into a disaster for the Royal New Zealand Navy this weekend, as the multi-purpose vessel HMNZS Manawanui ran aground, caught fire and sank off the coast of Samoa. The ship ran aground while conducting a reef survey near the southern coast of Upolu, and by the following day, it was engulfed in flames and heavily listing before sinking.
The drama unfolded late on Saturday, with all 75 crew and passengers safely evacuated onto life rafts before being rescued by local authorities and other vessels. According to Commodore Shane Arndell, the ship had been performing a hydrographic survey when it struck the reef. Emergency response teams from the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority quickly intervened, ensuring no lives were lost. A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon was deployed to support the rescue efforts.
The Manawanui , a relatively new addition to the Navy's fleet at a cost of $147 million, was known for its role in underwater surveys and disposal of unexploded ordnance across the Pacific. Commissioned in 2019, it had participated in several important missions, including helping clear World War II bombs from Niue, Fiji, and Vanuatu.
As investigators look into the cause of the incident, New Zealand's Defence Force and maritime authorities will be reviewing protocols to prevent such a costly and dangerous occurrence from happening again.
While the sinking of a major naval asset like the Manawanui is a significant blow, the primary focus remains on the safe recovery of crew and ensuring the environmental impact on Samoa’s coastline is minimised.
HMNZS Manawanui departed Auckland's Devonport Naval Base for the Pacific on 29 September.
Radio New Zealand reported that Maritime Component Commander Commodore Shane Arndell said the grounding occurred while conducting a reef survey. "They [the crew] are being supported in Samoa or on supporting vessels," Arndell said. "The New Zealand Defence Force worked closely with Maritime New Zealand's Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) which coordinated rescue efforts. Several vessels responded and assisted in rescuing crew and passengers. A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon was also deployed."
The 75 crew and passengers were at first evacuated onto life rafts, before being taken ashore by rescuers.
Photos from the local Social Media
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