The dive and hydrographic vessel ran aground Saturday evening while conducting a reef survey near the island of Upolo, one nautical mile from shore. New Zealand authorities reported that the ship lost power and grounded on the reef. By Sunday morning, the vessel began listing heavily, with smoke reported at around 6:40 a.m., and by 9 a.m., the Manawanui had sunk beneath the waves.
This incident marks the first accidental sinking of a New Zealand naval vessel since World War II, and naval authorities have launched a formal inquiry.
Local businesses and environmentalists are alarmed about the potential ecological damage, particularly given the area's significance for marine life and tourism. "We have a large population of sea turtles that swim around our lagoon, and people enjoy that. I’m hoping nothing happens to them," said Brian Rose, manager of Coconuts Beach Club, a local resort, in an interview with RNZ.
New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins emphasized the immediate priority of assessing the risk of an oil spill. “It’s got a lot of oil on board … lubricating oil, hydro oil, diesel, urea. We can’t just leave it like that,” Collins told Newstalk ZB, adding that divers had been dispatched to uate the situation.
Samoa’s acting Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, warned that an oil spill was likely, confirming that the Manawanui has sunk beyond recovery.
Efforts to rescue the 75 passengers and crew aboard the vessel were launched Saturday night after Samoan authorities received a distress call. New Zealand dispatched aircraft and vessels to assist in the operation, and all crew members were safely evacuated by Sunday morning.
Witnesses described seeing the ship ablaze before it finally sank. “It took 15 minutes for the boat to be fully ablaze and then sink,” said Dave Poole, a resident. He added that villagers were deeply concerned about the environmental impact on their beaches, reefs, and fishing livelihoods.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon confirmed that “environmental spill kits” were sent to help mitigate any pollution from the wreck.
The HMNZS Manawanui, built in the early 2000s and acquired by New Zealand in 2018 for NZD 100 million, was designed for surveying harbors and preparing for larger naval operations or disaster relief efforts.