New Zealand Launches Inquiry Into Sinking of HMNZS Manawanui

07 Oktober 2024

HMNZS Manawanui A-09 (photo: RNZN)

New Zealand's defence force has launched a formal court of inquiry into the "shocking" sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui, which sank after striking a reef in Samoa's south.

On Saturday night, the 85-metre vessel ran aground around 2 kilometres south of the Samoan village of Siumu, causing Captain Yvonne Gray to order crew to abandon ship via life rafts and smaller vessels.

All 75 onboard — including seven scientists and four non-NZ military personnel — made it to shore in rough seas, which took at least 5 hours during the night.

One life raft capsized on the reef, requiring those on board to walk to shore on the reef, where several required medical treatment.

The HMNZS Manawanui ran aground near the southern coast of Upolu (image: ABCNews)

On Sunday morning, the listing boat caught fire and sank.

The embarrassing incident is NZ's first naval loss during peacetime, and its first since World War II.

The Manawanui, a specialist hydrographic vessel, was in the region to map the ocean floor in the area for the first time in almost 40 years.

"They were dealing with a reef that has changed … there have been earthquakes, there's been tsunamis, there's been changes to that reef and that's why that survey was taking place," Ms Collins said.

See full article ABC