New Zealand Navy Ship Sinks, All Aboard Safe

On Saturday night, New Zealand Navy’s specialist dive and hydrographic vessel Manawanui ran aground near the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa. Fortunately, all 75 passengers and crew aboard were rescued safely. The New Zealand Defence Force issued a statement on Sunday confirming the incident and the safety of all personnel.

Commodore Shane Arndell, the maritime component commander of the New Zealand Defence Force, stated that several vessels responded to the emergency, assisting in the evacuation of the crew and passengers, who left the ship in lifeboats.

A New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft was also deployed to assist in the rescue operation. The cause of the grounding is still unknown, and an investigation is underway.

Local media footage showed the Manawanui, which cost the New Zealand government NZ$103 million in 2018, listing heavily with thick grey smoke billowing after it ran aground. By 9 a.m. local time on Sunday, the vessel had capsized and was submerged beneath the water.

The New Zealand Defence Force stated that they are “working with authorities to understand the implications and minimize environmental impacts.”

Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding announced at a press conference in Auckland that a plane would depart for Samoa on Sunday to bring back the rescued passengers and crew to New Zealand. Some of the rescued individuals suffered minor injuries from walking across the reef.

Defence Minister Judith Collins described the grounding as “incredibly challenging for everyone involved.” She added, “It will take time to process what has happened. The immediate focus is on salvaging what’s left of the vessel and identifying the cause to prevent future incidents.”

Rescue operations were coordinated by Samoan emergency services, with assistance from Australian Defence personnel and the New Zealand rescue centre, according to a Facebook statement from Samoa Police, Prison, and Corrections Service.

The Manawanui is deployed for specialist diving, salvage, and survey missions around New Zealand and the South West Pacific. However, the New Zealand Navy is already under strain, with three of its nine ships idle due to personnel shortages.