New Zealand Navy Loses Ship in Samoan Waters, Raising Environmental Concerns
A major incident occurred as the HMNZS Manawanui, a specialist dive and hydrographic vessel belonging to the New Zealand Navy, sank off the coast of Samoa, CNN reports.
The vessel, which was conducting a reef survey, had run aground on Saturday evening and subsequently capsized, marking the first unintentional sinking of a New Zealand Naval vessel since World War II.
The incident unfolded near the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa’s most populated island, raising serious concerns about potential environmental damage to the waters heavily used for fishing and tourism. Witnesses reported seeing smoke billowing from the ship’s bridge on Sunday morning, ultimately leading to its submersion.
Prior to the sinking, a distress call was received by Samoan police on Saturday evening, indicating the ship was taking on water and required evacuation. Rescue efforts were immediately mobilized, with numerous vessels and aircraft dispatched, including a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon and C-130J aircraft. All 75 crew members and passengers were successfully evacuated by 5am Sunday.
The focus has now shifted to assessing the potential environmental impact. New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins confirmed that authorities are prioritizing the assessment of the vessel’s depth and the risk of a fuel spill. Acting Samoan Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio stated that an oil spill is highly likely.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon announced that “environmental spill kits” have been sent from New Zealand to mitigate and minimize potential damage.
The HMNZS Manawanui, acquired by the New Zealand Navy in 2018 for some $100 million NZD ($61 million), was designed to survey harbors and approaches for larger support ships.
