The Royal New Zealand Navy has suffered a significant loss, marking the first time since World War II that one of its vessels has been claimed by the sea. The HMNZS Manawanui, a specialized diving and ocean imaging ship, ran aground off the coast of Samoa, approximately one nautical mile from the island of Upolu, during a reef survey on Saturday night local time.
The ship later caught fire and subsequently capsized, prompting a swift rescue operation. All 75 personnel on board, which included seven scientists and four foreign military members, were evacuated to lifeboats and rescued early Sunday morning, as confirmed by New Zealand’s Defence Force.
The circumstances surrounding the grounding are still under investigation, as officials have stated they are still uncertain about the cause. It is reported that rough weather conditions played a role in the incident, with strong winds and currents complicating rescue efforts. Military officials noted that rescuers faced significant challenges as they navigated the conditions that pushed life rafts toward the reefs.
Since the area where the incident occurred had not been surveyed since 1987, this adds an additional layer to the inquiry.
As of 6:40 AM local time on Sunday (which corresponds to 6:40 PM BST on Saturday), the HMNZS Manawanui was observed listing heavily with smoke billowing from it. By 9:00 AM local time (which is 9:00 PM BST on Saturday), the ship had sunk below the water’s surface.
Defence Minister Judith Collins expressed her sadness regarding the incident during a news briefing, stating, “This is a really sad day for the Navy. However, I must commend the professionalism and courage of the crew, as everyone came through safely.”
Witnesses, such as Dave Poole, described the rapid development of the situation: “As we entered the bay, the ship was undamaged, but within 15 minutes, flames and smoke were clearly visible. It sank shortly after.”
The HMNZS Manawanui is recognized as the first of New Zealand’s naval vessels to unintentionally sink since the country engaged in naval operations during World War II. While other ships have been deliberately sunk for various purposes, such as creating artificial reefs, this incident marks a significant loss.
Military officials are now focusing efforts on salvaging the wreckage and minimizing the environmental impact of the sinking.
Credit: BBC News
