What's happened
The HMNZS Manawanui sank off Upolu, Samoa, after running aground during a reef survey. All 75 crew and passengers were safely evacuated. Investigations into the cause and environmental impact are underway, with New Zealand's Defence Minister confirming the ship is likely unsalvageable.
What's behind the headline?
Incident Overview
- The HMNZS Manawanui sank after running aground on a reef.
- All 75 individuals on board were evacuated safely.
Environmental Concerns
- A fuel spill is 'highly probable,' but no significant oil leakage has been reported.
- Marine scientists are testing water samples to assess potential damage to the reef ecosystem.
Military Implications
- This incident raises questions about the state of New Zealand's aging naval fleet.
- The loss of the Manawanui highlights operational vulnerabilities within the navy, which has been described as 'extremely fragile.'
Future Actions
- A court of inquiry will investigate the cause of the grounding.
- Salvage operations and environmental assessments are ongoing, with a focus on minimizing ecological impact.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the HMNZS Manawanui was conducting a reef survey when it ran aground, leading to a significant rescue operation. New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins stated, 'This is a ship that unfortunately is pretty much gone,' indicating the vessel is likely unsalvageable. Meanwhile, BBC News reported that the ship caught fire before capsizing, complicating rescue efforts due to rough weather conditions. The military's focus has now shifted to assessing environmental impacts, with officials noting that the area had not been surveyed since 1987. The situation underscores the challenges facing New Zealand's navy, as highlighted by Business Insider UK, which noted the ship's significant cost and its role in various naval operations.
How we got here
The HMNZS Manawanui, a specialist dive and hydrographic vessel, was conducting a survey off Upolu when it ran aground on October 5, 2024. The ship, which entered service in 2019, was one of only nine in New Zealand's navy and had previously belonged to Norway.
Go deeper
- What caused the HMNZS Manawanui to sink?
- How is New Zealand addressing the environmental impact?
- What will happen to the remaining naval fleet?
More on these topics
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Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa and until 1997 known as Western Samoa, is a Polynesian island country consisting of two main islands, Savai'i and Upolu, two smaller inhabited islands, Manono and Apolima, and several small uninhabited isla
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Judith Anne Collins is a New Zealand politician serving as the Leader of the New Zealand National Party and Leader of the Opposition since 14 July 2020. Collins is the second female Leader of the National Party, after Jenny Shipley.
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The New Zealand Defence Force consists of three services: the Royal New Zealand Navy, the New Zealand Army and the Royal New Zealand Air Force; and is commanded and headed by the chief of Defence Force.
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Upolu is an island in Samoa, formed by a massive basaltic shield volcano which rises from the seafloor of the western Pacific Ocean.
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Auckland is a metropolitan city in the North Island of New Zealand. The most populous urban area in the country, Auckland has an urban population of about 1,467,800.
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New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It comprises two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island —and around 600 smaller islands, covering a total area of 268,021 square kilometres.