Apia, Samoa: The New Zealand navy ship HMNZS Manawanui has tragically sunk off the coast of Samoa during a recent maritime operation. New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) said that, This was the first time the navy has lost a ship since the second world war.
Manawanui, the navy’s specialized dive and hydrographic vessel, ran aground off the southern coast of Upolu, while performing a reef survey. All 75 crew and passengers were safe.
Commodore Shane Arndell, the maritime component commander of the New Zealand Defence Force, said in a statement that, Officials in Samoa were conducting an environmental impact assessment in the area where the ship sank. Several vessels responded and assisted in rescuing the crew and passengers who had left the ship in lifeboats.
NEWS📢 Crew and passengers of #NZNavy ship, HMNZS Manawanui were rescued in the early hours of the morning on Sunday in Samoa after the vessel was grounded off the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa.#Force4NZ https://t.co/QF03gZed3R
— NZ Defence Force (@NZDefenceForce) October 6, 2024
New Zealand Defence Force said that, A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon was also deployed to assist in the rescue. The cause of the grounding was unknown and would need further investigation.
The NZDF also added that, It was “working with authorities to understand the implications and minimise the environmental impacts.”
The chief of navy, Rear Adm Garin Golding, told a press conference in Auckland that a plane would leave for Samoa on Sunday to bring the rescued crew and passengers back to New Zealand. Some of those rescued had suffered minor injuries, including from walking across a reef.
The sinking of the Manawanui, which cost the New Zealand government NZ$103m in 2018, is a significant loss for the NZDF and the Pacific community, as the ship had been a vital asset in promoting stability and providing assistance in times of need.
The NZDF is now coordinating with Samoan authorities to manage the aftermath of the sinking and assess the environmental impact of the vessel’s loss. NZDF remains committed to maintaining regional security and support for Pacific nations.
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