HMNZS Manawanui. New Zealand Defence Force
All 75 crew and passengers of the Royal New Zealand Navy Ship HMNZS Manawanui were safely evacuated after the vessel ran aground off the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa.
The incident unfolded on Saturday evening, October 5, 2024, while the ship was conducting a hydrographic survey approximately one nautical mile from shore.
The evacuation began at 7:52 PM local time, with those onboard taking to lifeboats as the situation deteriorated. Photos showed the ship keeling over and catching fire.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) collaborated closely with the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ), which spearheaded the rescue efforts. Multiple vessels responded to the distress call, and a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft was deployed to assist in the operation.
Rescuers faced significant challenges, battling strong currents and winds that threatened to push the life rafts and sea boats towards treacherous reefs. Maritime Component Commander Commodore Shane Arndell expressed gratitude for the coordinated rescue effort, stating, “We are very grateful for the assistance of everyone involved, from RCCNZ who coordinated rescue efforts, to the vessels which responded and took our crew and passengers from Manawanui to safety.”
By Sunday morning, the situation had worsened. At 6:40 AM, the ship was observed listing heavily with visible smoke. By 9:00 AM, it had capsized and sunk below the surface. The NZDF is now working with authorities to assess and mitigate potential environmental impacts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, along with Samoan authorities, are providing support to the rescued crew and passengers, who are currently accommodated in Samoa. The NZDF has announced plans to send aircraft to Samoa to repatriate the affected individuals to New Zealand.
HMNZS Manawanui, a specialist dive and hydrographic vessel, was on its third deployment to the South West Pacific this year. The ship had departed from Devonport on September 28 and was scheduled to return on November 1, with planned activities in the Kermadec Islands, Samoa, Tokelau, and Niue.
The cause of the grounding remains unknown and will be subject to further investigation. This incident marks a significant loss for the Royal New Zealand Navy, as the Manawanui, built in 2003 and acquired by New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence in 2018, had only been in service since 2019.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 108,948 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset intercepted and monitored the Russian spy ship Yantar as it passed through the English Channel, marking the vessel’s...
The U.S. Coast Guard announced an immediate surge of assets along America’s maritime borders following executive orders issued by the White House. The announcement comes amid leadership changes at the...
The U.S. Coast Guard’s newest acquisition, the icebreaker Aiviq, is being readied to supplement the service’s two aging polar-capable vessels. During its short commercial service life it was described as the world’s most powerful offshore supply and anchor handling icebreaking vessel.
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 108,948 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
