The Acting Prime Minister of Samoa has expressed serious concerns about the possibility of an oil spill following the sinking and subsequent fire of a New Zealand navy ship off the coast of Samoa. The ship, HMNZS Manawanui, ran aground on a reef near the shore, prompting a challenging rescue operation that safely evacuated all 75 personnel on board. Despite efforts to reach land, it took the survivors five hours due to the vessel’s precarious position.
An environmental impact assessment is underway in the area where the ship sank, as officials in Samoa assess the potential consequences of the incident. Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding confirmed that the vessel, a specialist dive and hydrographic ship in service since 2019, was engaged in surveying activities near Upolu, Samoa’s main island, at the time of the accident.
Although the cause of the disaster remains unknown, New Zealand authorities plan to conduct a court of inquiry into the incident, given the significant loss of one of the navy’s nine ships. Defense Minister Judith Collins expressed doubts about salvaging the sunken vessel, stating that it is likely irreparable. Photos and videos from the shore captured the ship listing before disappearing beneath the waves, followed by a plume of smoke where it went down.
Among those on board were civilian scientists and foreign military personnel, some of whom sustained minor injuries during the ordeal, according to Golding. The ship reportedly had a considerable amount of fuel on board, prompting concerns about the potential environmental impact in the event of a spill. New Zealand has vowed to address any environmental consequences resulting from the incident.
The incident has shed light on the challenges faced by New Zealand’s military, with the defense agency previously warning of the fragility of the navy’s aging hardware. A March report highlighted issues with staffing and maintenance, leading to several ships being inactive. Despite routine maintenance before deployment, the HMNZS Manawanui’s tragic fate underscores the need for sustained investment in the upkeep of the country’s military assets.
