The Royal New Zealand Navy ship, HMNZS Manawanui, ran aground on a reef off the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa, overnight. The ship was conducting a hydrographic survey when it became stranded approximately one nautical mile from the shore.
A coordinated rescue effort was launched, involving the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA), the Samoa Police maritime team, the Nafanua patrol boat, and two private boats. Together, they successfully evacuated all 75 people on board, including seven civilians and four foreign military personnel. All individuals were safely rescued by 5:35 AM Sunday morning.
New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins confirmed she had spoken to the ship’s captain, who reassured her that the crew remained calm and focused as they evacuated.
The ship began to take on water early this morning, reportedly smoking at 6:40 AM before capsizing around 9:00 AM. The ship is now fully submerged.
Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of the incident. Minister Collins emphasized that the New Zealand government’s priority is assessing and managing the potential damage to the surrounding marine ecosystem.
Hon. Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, HRPP Secretary, also voiced concerns about the environmental effects, stressing Samoa’s lack of expertise in such situations. He expressed hope that the Samoan government would work closely with New Zealand authorities to manage the aftermath.
Hon. Ale Vena Ale shared with CTV Samoa that an official statement from the Samoan government is expected after an urgent Cabinet meeting. Hon. Ale expressed relief that no injuries were reported and assured that the government will closely monitor the situation in coordination with New Zealand authorities.
Hon Faualo Tauiliili Harry Schuster Minister of Police & Prison, expressed gratitude,
“Very grateful, relieved, and thankful that everyone on board was safely evacuated and no one was seriously injured. Our Police, Samoa Fire Emergency Service, Ambulance, and Maritime Authorities all did a great job assisting in this serious disaster.”
The New Zealand government has been liaising with Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister, as Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa is currently out of the country. An official statement will be issued by the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon Tuala Tevaga Faamausili Iosefo Ponifasio this evening.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the grounding. No formal statement has yet been released by the Samoan Government.
