A Royal New Zealand Navy vessel, HMNZS Manawanui, sank off the coast of Upolu, Samoa, after running aground on a reef and catching fire. The vessel, a $100 million dive and hydrographic ship, was conducting a survey one nautical mile offshore when it struck the reef.
All 75 people on board were successfully rescued, despite heavy seas and strong winds complicating the operation. The Defence Force noted that the situation was particularly challenging, with one of the lifeboats capsizing on the reef. Those aboard the capsized boat made it safely to land.
Two individuals were taken to hospital, one with a dislocated shoulder and another with a back injury, while several others suffered minor cuts and abrasions from walking across the reef.
Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, praised Captain Yvonne Gray's decision to abandon ship, saying it likely saved lives:
“I would also like to acknowledge all those involved on how they handled this challenging situation, evacuating a ship at night is an incredibly complex and dangerous task.”
Defence Minister Judith Collins expressed sadness at the loss of the ship while highlighting that no lives were lost. She confirmed that a Court of Inquiry would investigate the incident, and that efforts were focused on minimizing environmental damage and salvaging what remains of the vessel.