HMNZS Manawanui (2019)
{{Short description|New Zealand naval support vessel}}
{{other ships|HMNZS Manawanui}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=November 2024}}
| {{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image | Ship image = File:Aft view of HMNZS Manawanui (A09) underway in the Pacific Ocean on 18 August 2020 (200818-N-SH168-1093).JPG | Ship caption = HMNZS Manawanui during RIMPAC 2020 }} {{Infobox ship career | Ship country = Norway | Ship flag = {{shipboxflag|Norway}} | Ship name = Edda Fonn | Ship namesake = | Ship ordered = | Ship awarded = | Ship builder = Myklebust Verft AS[http://ostensjo.no/fleet/eddafonn/ Edda Fon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830110157/http://ostensjo.no/fleet/eddafonn/ |date=30 August 2018 }} Østensjø Rederi website. Retrieved: 30 August 2018. | Ship laid down = | Ship launched = {{date and age|2003|p=y}} | Ship acquired = May 2003 | Ship commissioned = | Ship recommissioned = | Ship decommissioned = | Ship struck = | Ship motto = | Ship nickname = | Ship honors = | Fate = Sank on 6 October 2024, after running aground off of Upolu, Samoa. | Ship notes = | Ship badge = | Ship fate = Sold to Royal New Zealand Navy in August 2018 }} {{Infobox ship career | Hide header = title | Ship country = New Zealand | Ship flag = {{shipboxflag|New Zealand|naval}} | Ship name = HMNZS Manawanui | Ship namesake = Māori: "to be brave or steadfast"{{cite web |url=https://maoridictionary.co.nz/word/3444 |website=Te Aka Maori Dictionary |publisher=John C Moorfield |access-date=23 April 2024 |title=Manawanui - te Aka Māori Dictionary }} | Ship ordered = | Ship awarded = | Ship original cost = NZ$147 million 2018[https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-dive-and-hydrographic-vessel-navy "The Government has approved the purchase of a dive and hydrographic support vessel for the Royal New Zealand Navy] Official website of the New Zealand Government, 22 August 2018. | Ship yard number = | Ship way number = | Ship laid down = | Ship launched = | Ship sponsor = Jacinda Ardern | Ship christened = 7 June 2019 | Ship completed = | Ship acquired = | Ship commissioned = {{date and age|7 June 2019|p=y}} | Ship recommissioned = | Ship decommissioned = | Ship homeport = Gisborne[http://gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/3586034-135/gisborne-home-port-for-navys-new Gisborne home port for navy's new vessel] Gisborne Herald, 28 August 2018. | Ship identification = *{{IMO Number|9273662}}
| Ship fate = Sank on {{date and age|6 October 2024|p=y}}, Upolu, Samoa | Ship motto = | Ship nickname = | Ship honours = | Ship notes = | Ship badge = }} {{Infobox ship characteristics | Ship type = *Littoral operations vessel
| Ship displacement = 5,741 tonnes full load[http://navy.mil.nz/ RNZN website]. Accessed 30 August 2018. | Ship length = {{convert|84.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship beam = {{convert|18.0|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship draught = {{convert|6.8|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship propulsion = * 4 × {{convert|1920|kW|abbr=on}} | Ship speed = {{convert|13|kn|km/h}} | Ship range = {{cvt|7000|nmi|km}} | Ship boats = | Ship capacity = * {{convert|700|m2|abbr=on}} deck area | Ship troops = | Ship complement = 39 core crew | Ship crew = | Ship time to activate = | Ship sensors = | Ship EW = | Ship armament = | Ship armour = | Ship armor = |Ship aircraft | Ship aircraft facilities = | Ship notes = }} |
HMNZS Manawanui was a dive and hydrographic vessel of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). It had previously served as the civilian survey vessel MV Edda Fonn in the Norwegian oil and gas industry. The ship was purchased for the RNZN in 2018, and commissioned on 7 June 2019, replacing the hydrographic survey ship {{HMNZS|Resolution|A14|6}} and diving support vessel {{HMNZS|Manawanui|A09}}.
Manawanui entered operational service in early 2020 and undertook multiple deployments in the Pacific over subsequent years, participating in RIMPAC 2020 and supporting operations in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Manawanui sank on 6 October 2024 after running aground while surveying a reef off the coast of Samoa. All 75 people on board Manawanui were rescued.
In late November 2024, the first report from the naval inquiry into the Manawanui{{'s}} sinking attributed the sinking to human error. In early April 2025, the naval inquiry's final report concluded that the sinking was the result of human error. The RNZN also confirmed that it would commence a "disciplinary investigation."
Civil career and conversion
File:Edda Fonn (ship, 2003) 002.jpg
The ship was built in 2003 by Myklebust Verft and delivered in May as MV Edda Fonn to Østensjø Rederi to serve as a survey vessel for work in the oil and gas industry. It was based in Haugesund, Norway.{{cite web |url=https://www.ship-technology.com/projects/edda/?cf-view |title=Edda Fonn |publisher=Ship Technology |date= |access-date=6 October 2024}}{{cite web|website=Maritimt Magasin|url=https://maritimt.com/nb/batomtaler/edda-fonn-042003|title=Edda Fonn (04/2003)|date=10 April 2003|last=Giske|first=Kim Idar|access-date=7 October 2024|archive-date=7 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007113928/https://maritimt.com/nb/batomtaler/edda-fonn-042003|url-status=live}} Edda Fonn was chartered out to the Norwegian subsea service provider Reach Subsea in December 2014,{{cite web|website=Offshore Energy|url=https://www.offshore-energy.biz/reach-subsea-awards-more-time-to-edda-fonn-vessel/|date=6 July 2017|title=Reach Subsea awards more time to Edda Fonn vessel|access-date=7 October 2024|archive-date=7 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007112020/https://www.offshore-energy.biz/reach-subsea-awards-more-time-to-edda-fonn-vessel/|url-status=live}} completing survey and inspection tasks in the North Sea.{{cite web|website=Offshore Energy|title=Reach Subsea Secures More Work for Its Vessels|date=11 August 2016|access-date=7 October 2024|url=https://www.offshore-energy.biz/reach-subsea-secures-more-work-for-its-vessels/|archive-date=7 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007052349/https://www.offshore-energy.biz/reach-subsea-secures-more-work-for-its-vessels/|url-status=live}} In February 2017 the ship was tasked with inspecting pipelines in the Mediterranean Sea between Algeria and Spain.{{cite web|website=Offshore Energy|date=3 February 2017|title=MMT to Survey Algeria – Spain Subsea Pipeline|access-date=7 October 2024|url=https://www.offshore-energy.biz/mmt-to-survey-algeria-spain-subsea-pipeline/}}
In August 2018 Edda Fonn was purchased by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) at a cost of $103 million to replace the hydrographic support ship {{HMNZS|Resolution}} and the diving support vessel {{HMNZS|Manawanui|A09}}.{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/106470858/govt-buys-new-navy-ship-with-remaining-money-after-frigate-blowout |title=Govt buys new navy ship with remaining money after frigate blowout |publisher=Stuff |author=Laura Walters |date=22 August 2018 |access-date=6 October 2024}} The New Zealand government had originally planned to purchase a newly built ship for these roles, with work on this project beginning in 2013.{{sfn|New Zealand Ministry of Defence|2023|pp=64–65}} After NZ$148 million of funding for the project was diverted in 2017 to cover the unexpectedly high costs of upgrading the RNZN's two {{sclass|Anzac|frigate}}s it was decided to acquire a second-hand vessel instead.{{sfn|New Zealand Ministry of Defence|2023|p=65}} New Zealand Ministry of Defence officials reviewed 150 vessels before identifying Edda Fonn as suitable for conversion.{{cite web |url=https://www.offshore-energy.biz/edda-fonn-offshore-vessel-sold-to-new-zealand-navy/ |title=Edda Fonn offshore vessel sold to New Zealand Navy |publisher=Offshore Energy |date=23 August 2018 |access-date=6 October 2024 |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007020245/https://www.offshore-energy.biz/edda-fonn-offshore-vessel-sold-to-new-zealand-navy/ |url-status=live }}
Edda Fonn underwent initial work at Orskov Yard in Frederikshavn, Denmark. The moonpool and remotely operated underwater vehicle hangar were remodelled, and specialist equipment including a multibeam echosounder, diving launch and recovery system, and davits were installed. It was also repainted in RNZN colours.{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/113311125/new-ship-a-game-changer-for-nz-navy--defence-minister |title=New ship a 'game changer' for NZ Navy – Defence Minister |publisher=Stuff |author=Harrison Christian |date=7 June 2019 |access-date=6 October 2024 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930173202/https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/113311125/new-ship-a-game-changer-for-nz-navy--defence-minister |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.orskov.dk/conversion-of-edda-fonn-from-research-vessel-to-diving-support-vessel/ |title=Conversion of Edda Fonn – from Research Vessel to Diving Support Vessel |date=12 April 2019 |publisher=Orskov Yard |access-date=6 October 2024 |archive-date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005223316/https://www.orskov.dk/conversion-of-edda-fonn-from-research-vessel-to-diving-support-vessel/ |url-status=live }}
Operational history
The ship arrived in New Zealand in May 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/391522/i-name-this-ship-her-majesty-s-new-zealand-ship-manawanui |title='I name this ship, Her Majesty's New Zealand ship, Manawanui' |publisher=RNZ |date=8 June 2019 |access-date=6 October 2024 |archive-date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005224041/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/391522/i-name-this-ship-her-majesty-s-new-zealand-ship-manawanui |url-status=live }} Renamed, HMNZS Manawanui was commissioned into the RNZN on 7 June. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was the ship's sponsor.{{cite web |title=HMNZS Manawanui |url= https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/navy/our-equipment/ships-and-watercraft/hmnzs-manawanui/ |publisher=Royal New Zealand Navy |access-date=6 October 2024}} At the time of commissioning it was intended that the ship would serve with the navy for 15 years.{{cite news |last1=Hartigan |first1=Brian |title=HMNZS Manawanui commissioned by PM Jacinda Ardern |url=https://www.contactairlandandsea.com/2019/06/07/hmnzs-manawanui-commissioned-by-pm-jacinda-ardern/ |access-date=6 October 2024 |work=CONTACT magazine |date=7 June 2019 |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007020225/https://www.contactairlandandsea.com/2019/06/07/hmnzs-manawanui-commissioned-by-pm-jacinda-ardern/ |url-status=live }} Manawanui was based at the Devonport Naval Base. Its honorary home port was Gisborne.{{cite news |title=New Zealand Navy chooses Gisborne as homeport for new vessel |url=https://www.navaltoday.com/2018/09/04/new-zealand-navy-chooses-gisborne-as-homeport-for-new-vessel/ |access-date=6 October 2024 |work=Naval Today |date=4 September 2018}} The ship's first commanding officer was Lieutenant Commander Andy Mahoney.
File:Ambassador Brown on the bridge of HMNZS Manawanui November 2019.jpg on the bridge of Manawanui in November 2019]]
After being commissioned, Manawanui required further modifications to be fitted with communications equipment and items specific to a military role.{{sfn|New Zealand Ministry of Defence|2023|p=69}} These works were originally scheduled to be completed by November 2019 but were delayed due to technical problems and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The inability of foreign contractors to travel to New Zealand during the pandemic was one of the causes of the delays. Bad weather and difficulties with fitting new equipment to the ship also contributed. Most of the modifications had been made by mid-2020 but the project was not completed until September 2023. Manawanui was able to be used for much of this period, with new capabilities being added as elements of the modifications were completed.{{sfn|New Zealand Ministry of Defence|2023|pp=70–71, 73}}
Manawanui completed its initial safety and readiness checks in February 2020.{{sfn|New Zealand Defence Force|2020a|p=89}} It received interim operational release that month, which was earlier than the initially planned date of April 2021. This change was made to allow the ship to participate in that year's RIMPAC military exercise off Hawaii.{{sfn|New Zealand Ministry of Defence|2023|pp=70–71}} Manawanui took part in this exercise during August 2020.{{cite web |last1=New Zealand Defence Force |title=HMNZS Manawanui heads to Rim of the Pacific exercise around Hawaii |url=https://nzdefenceforce.medium.com/hmnzs-manawanui-heads-to-rim-of-the-pacific-exercise-around-hawaii-7c55d05daae7 |website=Medium |access-date=6 October 2024 |date=29 July 2020 |archive-date=8 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808224247/https://nzdefenceforce.medium.com/hmnzs-manawanui-heads-to-rim-of-the-pacific-exercise-around-hawaii-7c55d05daae7 |url-status=live }}{{sfn|New Zealand Defence Force|2021|p=64}} During the exercise Manawanui operated with warships from Australia, Brunei and Singapore. As a result of COVID-19 restrictions its crew was unable to disembark the ship during the deployment.{{sfn|New Zealand Defence Force|2021|p=64}}
During 2021 Manawanui received a range of modifications and two new engines. These works were delayed by the strict COVID-19 lockdown in Auckland that year. Sea trials were undertaken in March 2022.{{sfn|New Zealand Defence Force|2022|p=84}}
In September 2022 Manawanui was part of a multinational operation to remove World War II ordnance in Tuvalu.{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/475578/international-naval-team-finds-22-huge-world-war-ii-bombs-in-tuvalu-lagoon |title=International naval team finds 22 huge World War II bombs in Tuvalu lagoon |publisher=RNZ |date=27 September 2022 |access-date=6 October 2024 |archive-date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926135740/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/475578/international-naval-team-finds-22-huge-world-war-ii-bombs-in-tuvalu-lagoon |url-status=live }} On 9 December 2022, Commander Yvonne Gray took the command of Manawanui. Gray, originally an officer in the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom, moved to New Zealand in 2012.{{cite web |title=Yorkshire woman takes command of Royal New Zealand Navy Ship |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/yorkshire-woman-takes-command-of-royal-new-zealand-navy-ship/ |publisher=New Zealand Defence Force |access-date=6 October 2024 |archive-date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005222818/https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/yorkshire-woman-takes-command-of-royal-new-zealand-navy-ship/ |url-status=live }}
During February 2023 Manawanui provided support to the area around Gisborne in New Zealand in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. This included assessing damage to Gisborne's port and transporting supplies.{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484369/cyclone-gabrielle-navy-ship-with-supplies-diverts-from-tolaga-bay |title=Cyclone Gabrielle: Navy ship with supplies diverts from Tolaga Bay |publisher=RNZ |date=17 February 2023 |access-date=6 October 2024 |archive-date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005114334/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484369/cyclone-gabrielle-navy-ship-with-supplies-diverts-from-tolaga-bay |url-status=live }} During the same month the ship was used to carry 3.2 tonnes of cocaine to New Zealand after it was seized by the police during an operation in which the drugs were intercepted after they had been dropped in the Pacific Ocean ahead of being smuggled into Australia.{{cite news |last1=Graham-McLay |first1=Charlotte |title=New Zealand intercepts 3.2 tonnes of cocaine worth $500m floating in Pacific Ocean |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/08/new-zealand-intercepts-cocaine-3-tonne-500m-floating-pacific-ocean |access-date=7 October 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=8 February 2023}} In November 2023 it conducted undersea surveys and disposal of World War II bombs in Niue, Fiji, and Vanuatu.{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/501792/nz-navy-conduct-pacific-operation-to-dispose-submerged-world-war-ii-bombs |title=NZ Navy conduct Pacific operation to dispose submerged World War II bombs |publisher=RNZ |date=6 November 2023 |access-date=6 October 2024 |archive-date=6 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006003530/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/501792/nz-navy-conduct-pacific-operation-to-dispose-submerged-world-war-ii-bombs |url-status=live }}
In 2024 the vessel carried out three deployments to the South West Pacific, including visits to Kermadec Islands, Samoa, Tokelau and Niue. In its final deployment the vessel sailed from Devonport on 28 September, intending to return to port on 1 November.{{cite web |title=HMNZS Manawanui crew and passengers rescued after ship runs aground in Samoa |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/hmnzs-manawanui-crew-and-passengers-rescued-after-ship-runs-aground-in-samoa/ |website=New Zealand Defence Force |access-date=6 October 2024 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=6 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006041456/https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/hmnzs-manawanui-crew-and-passengers-rescued-after-ship-runs-aground-in-samoa/ |url-status=live }}
Sinking
=Loss=
On the evening of 5 October 2024 Manawanui ran aground around {{convert|1|nmi|spell=in}} off Siumu, on the south coast of Upolu island, Samoa, whilst carrying out survey work of a reef in rough seas and high winds.{{cite web |last1=Yee |first1=Isaac |title=New Zealand loses first naval ship since WWII; vessel threatening oil spill off Samoan coast |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/07/world/new-zealand-navy-ship-sinks-intl-hnk/index.html |website=CNN |date=7 October 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222140155/https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/07/world/new-zealand-navy-ship-sinks-intl-hnk/index.html|archive-date=22 December 2024|url-status=live}} Commander Yvonne Gray gave the order for everyone to abandon the ship.{{cite news |title=Ex-Royal Navy commander praised for saving lives after New Zealand naval ship sinks |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/services/navy/ex-royal-navy-commander-praised-saving-lives-after-new-zealand-naval-ship-sinks |publisher=Forces News |date=7 Oct 2024 |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007174423/https://www.forcesnews.com/services/navy/ex-royal-navy-commander-praised-saving-lives-after-new-zealand-naval-ship-sinks |url-status=live }} All 75 crew on board were evacuated by four of the vessel's life rafts and two rigid hull inflatable boats early on 6 October.{{cite news |title=HMNZS Manawanui: What we know about the ship's sinking |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/529979/hmnzs-manawanui-what-we-know-about-the-ship-s-sinking |access-date=6 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=6 October 2024 |language=en-nz |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007020247/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/529979/hmnzs-manawanui-what-we-know-about-the-ship-s-sinking |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=New Zealand loses first naval ship to sea since WW2 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ced0wlqnvlno |access-date=6 October 2024 |work=BBC News |date=6 October 2024 |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007020215/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ced0wlqnvlno |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=NZ Navy ship runs aground off Samoa |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/529935/nz-navy-ship-runs-aground-off-samoa |access-date=5 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=5 October 2024 |archive-date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005101941/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/529935/nz-navy-ship-runs-aground-off-samoa |url-status=live }} Rescue efforts were managed by the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre and the Royal New Zealand Air Force deployed a P-8A Poseidon aircraft to assist. The evacuation began at 7:52{{nbsp}}pm on 5 October. Due to challenging weather conditions it took five hours for the lifeboats to reach the shore. One of the rescue boats flipped over during the journey and its occupants walked to shore on the reef. At 10:00{{nbsp}}pm, the British cruise ship MS Queen Elizabeth and Danish cable-laying ship MS Lodbrog responding to the mayday arrived on scene to render aid.{{cite web |last1=Mercogliano |first1=Sal |title=The Royal New Zealand Navy's HMNZS Manawanui, Grounded, Then Sank Off the Coast of Samoa |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR85gqVwbWQ |website=Youtube |date=7 October 2024 |publisher=What is Going on With Shipping? |access-date=8 October 2024 |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007224842/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR85gqVwbWQ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Howie |first1=Cherie |title=Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Manawanui runs aground near Samoa |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/royal-new-zealand-navy-vessel-hmnzs-manawanui-runs-aground-near-samoa/YLJL2634NVDJTD6YOQPJDBOMFU/ |access-date=8 October 2024 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=6 October 2024 |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007085922/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/royal-new-zealand-navy-vessel-hmnzs-manawanui-runs-aground-near-samoa/YLJL2634NVDJTD6YOQPJDBOMFU/ |url-status=live }}
The vessel caught fire by 6:40{{nbsp}}am on 6 October and capsized and sank by 9:00{{nbsp}}am.{{Cite news|date=5 October 2024|title=Stricken Navy ship on fire, plumes of black smoke seen on Samoa reef |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/hmnzs-manawanui-on-fire-and-tilting-badly-after-it-ran-aground-off-the-coast-of-samoa-last-night/44PLWNBV6RBVJHLVHARNGMOUKU/ |access-date=5 October 2024|work=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{cite web |url=https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/111420 |title=NZ navy ship sinks, oil smell fills village air |work=Samoa Observer |author=Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi |date=6 October 2024 |access-date=6 October 2024 |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007020258/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/111420 |url-status=live }} At least 17 people were injured in the incident,{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/samoa-zealand-navy-ship-sank-fire-spill-47500555456f78dad18a958b95ab500c |title=Samoa warns of 'highly probable' fuel spill after New Zealand navy ship caught fire and sank |publisher=Associated Press |author=Charlotte Graham-McClay |date=7 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007051226/https://apnews.com/article/samoa-zealand-navy-ship-sank-fire-spill-47500555456f78dad18a958b95ab500c |url-status=live }} many from cuts and abrasions from walking on the reef, and three received hospital treatment, including one for a dislocated shoulder.{{cite news |title=Captain's decision to abandon HMNZS Manawanui 'saved lives' – Navy Chief |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/10/06/captains-decision-to-abandon-hmnzs-manawanui-saved-lives-navy-chief/ |access-date=6 October 2024 |work=1News |archive-date=6 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006033158/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/10/06/captains-decision-to-abandon-hmnzs-manawanui-saved-lives-navy-chief/ |url-status=live }} The crew and passengers, including seven scientists and four personnel from foreign militaries, were accommodated in Samoa before being flown to New Zealand. The RNZN was carrying out works to salvage the vessel and mitigate the environmental impact of the sinking. On 7 October local residents reported seeing and smelling oil near the wreck.{{cite news |title=Locals fear damage, report smell after HMNZS Manawanui sinking |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/530034/locals-fear-damage-report-smell-after-hmnzs-manawanui-sinking |access-date=7 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=7 October 2024 |language=en-nz}} The acting Samoan Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio said in a press statement, "HMNZS Manawanui is not recoverable and has sunk into the ocean."{{cite news |title=New Zealand loses first naval ship since WWII; vessel threatening oil spill off Samoan coast |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/07/world/new-zealand-navy-ship-sinks-intl-hnk/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=7 October 2024 |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007170729/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/07/world/new-zealand-navy-ship-sinks-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}
The vessel is the first New Zealand naval vessel to be unintentionally sunk since World War II and the first to be lost in peacetime.
= Timeline =
Friday 4 October 2024
22:00- Survey of Sinalei Reef commences.
Saturday 5 October 2024
18:11:13- Ship alters course to 340° in manual control.
18:13:08- Ship placed into autopilot.
18:14:47- Helm attempts course alteration to starboard. Ship fails to alter course.
18:15:20- ECDIS alarm heard.
18:15:29-18:15:53- Increased demand on angle and power of thrusters.
18:15:57- Helm announces "no steering to starboard''.
18:16:18- Helm announces “it’s not really doing what I want it to
do.”
18:16:18-18:16:43- Crewmembers attempt to control the ship, again announcing "it's not really doing what I want it to do."
18:16:55 Captain called to the bridge.
18:17:18- "Nautical Emergency" piped.
18:17:20- Captain arrives on bridge.
18:17:21-18:17:53- Crew continue to attempt to retake control of the ship.
18:17:59- Ship runs aground on the reef.
18:18:37- Emergency stations piped. Searches throughout the ship for damage and injuries commence.
18:18:49- Machinery Breakdown piped.
18:18:55-18:25:10- Crew search the ship, engineers close up and discussions continue on bridge about how to take control of the ship.
18:25:39- Searches complete.
18:27:34- Discussion about “do you want to take it out of auto now?”
18:27:43- Propulsion control regained, control switched from auto to manual.
18:28:00-18:42:40- Crew continues to attempt to stabilise the ship. Further grounding noises heard at 18:32:06.
18:43:20- Mayday call made.
18:46:45- Captain pipes to prepare to abandon ship.
18:48:40- "“Hands to liferaft stations, Hands to liferaft stations.” piped.
18:48:55- Captain pipes crew to tell them to prepare for their time in the liferafts, by wearing extra clothing and going to the bathroom.
18:50:00-18:50:10- Captain expedites the abandon ship due to the increasing roll of the ship.
18:54:20- Captain orders lifeboats to be launched.
18:55:00- Ship abandoned.
~06:40- Fire begins on stricken ship.
~09:00- Ship capsizes and sinks.
=Impact=
At the time of the sinking, Manawanui was carrying 950 tonnes of diesel fuel.{{cite news |title='Small' oil leaks detected in Samoa after NZ navy shipwreck |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241008-small-oil-leaks-detected-in-samoa-after-nz-navy-shipwreck |access-date=8 October 2024 |work=France 24 |date=8 October 2024 |language=en-nz}} On 8 October local Samoan residents reported that the sinking caused an oil spill which threatened tourism and fishing in the local area.{{cite web |url=https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/111434 |title=Oil on the ocean: Ecological disaster looms |publisher=Samoa Observer |author=Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong |date=8 October 2024 |access-date=8 October 2024 |archive-date=8 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008000718/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/111434 |url-status=live }} On the same day, the RNZN stated that while oil had leaked from Manawanui as it sank naval divers who had inspected the wreck had not detected anything leaking from it. The Samoan Government concurred with this assessment. At this time the wreck was {{convert|30|m|ft}} below the surface, with the ship lying on its side. The RNZN was considering options to remove fuels and other chemicals from the wreck.{{cite news |title=Navy dispels concerns HMNZS Manawanui is leaking oil |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/530173/navy-dispels-concerns-hmnzs-manawanui-is-leaking-oil |access-date=8 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=8 October 2024 |language=en-nz}} On 11 October local fishers reported fish covered in oil, and Samoan authorities confirmed a leak of {{convert|200000|L}} of diesel and damage to the reef.{{cite web |url=https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/111517 |title=Manawanui sinking: Fish covered in oil, huge leak confirmed |publisher=Samoa Observer |author=Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong |date=11 October 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |archive-date=8 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108212540/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/111517 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Manawanui: 200,000 litres of diesel has leaked from wreck, says Samoan authorities |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/530550/manawanui-200-000-litres-of-diesel-has-leaked-from-wreck-says-samoan-authorities |access-date=12 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=12 October 2024 |language=en-nz |archive-date=3 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241103120753/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/530550/manawanui-200-000-litres-of-diesel-has-leaked-from-wreck-says-samoan-authorities |url-status=live }} The crew of a RNZAF Poseidon who overflew the wreck on this day also sighted a slick. RNZN divers determined that there was a leak emanating from the ship's engine room.{{cite web |title=HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/story-collections/hmnzs-manawanui-in-samoa/ |website=www.nzdf.mil.nz |publisher=New Zealand Defence Force |access-date=12 October 2024 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007184023/https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/story-collections/hmnzs-manawanui-in-samoa/ |url-status=live }}
Local Samoan residents expressed concerns about the impact of the ship's sinking on the maritime environment, and called for compensation and an independent inquiry. Tafitoala village representative Taloaileono Vasasou said that the oil leak was polluting the coast and contaminating their clam reserve while the senior matai (chief) of Vaiee village Tuia Paepae Letoa reported that fish caught in the area were covered with oil. Residents of the Safata district convened a meeting to discuss the impact of the sinking and demand compensation. Due to the sinking, a {{cvt|20|km}} stretch of coastal area near the wreckage site was closed to fishing on 7 October. Tafitoala matai and fisherman Afoa Patolo Afoa said that the sinking and resulting fishing ban would affect the livelihoods of many local residents.{{cite news |last1=Duff |first1=Michelle |last2=Tupufia |first2=Lanuola |title=A sunken timebomb? Samoa fears long-lasting damage from wrecked New Zealand navy ship |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/19/a-sunken-timebomb-samoa-fears-long-lasting-damage-from-wrecked-new-zealand-navy-ship |access-date=20 October 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=18 October 2024}}
In late November 2024 former Samoan Member of Parliament Tuia Pu'a Leota told Radio New Zealand that food supplies in the local district were low and called on both the Samoan and New Zealand governments to provide local communities with more information. He said that the impact of the ship's sinking was devastating for local villagers who depended on fishing for food and income.{{cite news |last1=Tinetali-Fiavaai |first1=Grace |title=Manawanui probe 'being done by the wrong people,' Samoan expert says |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/535236/manawanui-probe-being-done-by-the-wrong-people-samoan-expert-says |access-date=30 November 2024 |work=RNZ |date=29 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129135036/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/535236/manawanui-probe-being-done-by-the-wrong-people-samoan-expert-says |archive-date=29 November 2024}}
In early February 2025 Radio New Zealand reported that villagers in the Safata district had sought financial assistance from the Chinese Embassy in response to the Samoan government declining a request to provide affected communities with income and aid. Local villagers have not been allowed to fish in their area since the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui.{{cite news |last1=Tinetali-Fiavaai |first1=Grace |title=Samoa communities affected by Manawanui sinking seek support from China |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541109/samoa-communities-affected-by-manawanui-sinking-seek-support-from-china |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=6 February 2025 |archive-date=8 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250208074016/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541109/samoa-communities-affected-by-manawanui-sinking-seek-support-from-china |url-status=live }} According to Safata district spokesperson Tuai Pu'a Leota, the Samoan and New Zealand governments had not adequately consulted with local village leaders or provided financial compensation. By 7 February Safata district community leaders had met with Chinese Embassy staff in Apia, who gave an initial donation of WST$50,000 (NZ$30,000) to assist with livelihood assistance.{{cite news |last1=Tinetali-Fiavaai |first1=Grace |title=Samoan communities affected by Manawanui disaster received $30,000 donation from China |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541251/samoan-communities-affected-by-manawanui-disaster-receive-30-000-donation-from-china |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=7 February 2025}}
On 12 February the Samoan Government lifted a 20 km "precautionary zone" around the wreckage of HMNZS Manawanui following testing by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS). However, a two km prohibition zone around the sunken ship remains in force.{{cite news |title=Samoa govt removes precautionary zone around Manawanui disaster site |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541647/samoa-govt-removes-precautionary-zone-around-manawanui-disaster-site |access-date=12 February 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=12 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212011800/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/541647/samoa-govt-removes-precautionary-zone-around-manawanui-disaster-site |archive-date=12 February 2025}} {{cite news |last1=Fotheringham |first1=Caleb |title=Samoan villagers still fearful of contaminated fish near Manawanui wreck |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/562291/samoan-villagers-still-fearful-of-contaminated-fish-near-manawanui-wreck |access-date=1 June 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=27 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527082725/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/562291/samoan-villagers-still-fearful-of-contaminated-fish-near-manawanui-wreck |archive-date=27 May 2025 |url-status=live}}On 25 January 2025, the Samoan Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure's CEO Fui Tupai Mau Simanu confirmed to RNZ Pacific that the Samoan and New Zealand governments were discussing compensation over the Manawanui sinking at the request of affected communities.{{cite news |last1=Fotheringham |first1=Caleb |title=Samoa and NZ discuss compensation over Manawanui sinking |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/539908/samoa-and-nz-discuss-compensation-over-manawanui-sinking |access-date=4 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=25 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211180925/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/539908/samoa-and-nz-discuss-compensation-over-manawanui-sinking |archive-date=11 February 2025}} In late May 2025, RNZ Pacific reported that local villagers were still reluctant to fish in the area due to fears of contamination despite the Marine Pollution Advisory Committee advising it was safe to collect seafood.
=Salvaging=
On 15 October salvage work on Manawanui began. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) salvage operation was called Operation Resolution and consisted of 60 personnel led by RNZN Deputy Chief of the Navy Commodore Andrew Brown. The NZDF was assisted by the Samoan government, Maritime New Zealand and Samoa's Maritime Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC). The MPAC despatched divers to recover ship debris, conduct water contamination tests and develop a plan to remove the remaining fuel. MPAC chair Fui Mau Simanu reported that the sunken Manawanui and its anchor chain had caused substantial damage to the reef covering an area of {{convert|5000|sqm}}. In addition, the ship contained 960 tonnes of diesel fuel while three dislodged shipping containers were also causing damage to the reef. That same day, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon formally apologised to the Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and acting prime minister for the sinking of Manawanui.{{cite news |last1=Leiataua |first1=Susana |title=Manawanui sinking: Salvage process begins as diesel continues to leak from wreck |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/530746/manawanui-sinking-salvage-process-begins-as-diesel-continues-to-leak-from-wreck |access-date=20 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=15 October 2024}}
On 17 October the NZDF confirmed that it would work with Samoan contractor ARK Marine to remove the three shipping containers from the reef off the south-west coast of Upolu, commencing 18 October. Two of the containers were empty while one was carrying {{cvt|3000|kg}} of food.{{cite web |title=Containers to be removed from reef after HMNZS Manawanui sinking |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/containers-to-be-removed-from-reef-after-hmnzs-manawanui-sinking/ |publisher=New Zealand Defence Force |access-date=20 October 2024 |date=17 October 2024 |archive-date=5 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241105232353/https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/containers-to-be-removed-from-reef-after-hmnzs-manawanui-sinking/ |url-status=live }} That same day, the NZDF confirmed that the crew of HMS Tamar had recovered Manawanui{{'s}} navigation record book. The record book along with the ship's black box are expected to be used as key evidence in the court of inquiry. New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins also confirmed there were small oil leaks from Manawanui but said that Defence Force and Maritime New Zealand staff had not found any pollution on the shorelines or dead wildlife.{{cite news |last1=Block |first1=George |title=HMNZS Manawanui: Navigation record book, expected to become crucial inquiry evidence, found by British warship searching debris |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/hmnzs-manawanui-navigation-record-book-expected-to-become-crucial-inquiry-evidence-found-by-british-warship-searching-debris/6JSJ3NRK4RCWJBF34OOBHNGGCU/ |access-date=20 October 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=17 October 2024}}
On 19 October the NZDF announced that work to mitigate pollution from the wreckage would be scaled down during the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for the following week. However, work to recover the three containers would continue over the weekend.{{cite news |title=Manawanui clean-up on hold for Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/531268/manawanui-clean-up-on-hold-for-commonwealth-heads-of-government-meeting |access-date=20 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=19 October 2024 |archive-date=8 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108203701/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/531268/manawanui-clean-up-on-hold-for-commonwealth-heads-of-government-meeting |url-status=live }} That same day, Prime Minister Mataʻafa confirmed that dive and coastal operations in the Safata region would be temporarily suspended for a week. Samoan and New Zealand authorities agreed to focus on scaled-down monitoring and inspections during the week of the CHOGM.{{cite news |last1=Sanerivi |first1=Sialai Sarafina |title=Manawanui operations halted |url=https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/111608 |access-date=20 October 2024 |work=Samoa Observer |date=19 October 2024 |archive-date=19 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219110408/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/111608 |url-status=live }} On 19 October, New Zealand and Samoan teams managed to remove one of the containers from the reef by nightfall. The two remaining containers, including the one containing food, were expected to be removed by 21 October depending on weather conditions.{{cite news |last1=Sanerivi |first1=Sialai Sarafina |title=Manawanui sinking: One container removed, two more to go |url=https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/111630 |access-date=20 October 2024 |work=Samoa Observer |date=20 October 2024 |archive-date=19 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219113337/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/111630 |url-status=live }}
On 20 October Radio New Zealand reported that an insurance surveyor had completed work on Manawanui. The MPAC confirmed that it would hire a contractor to remove the remaining fuel from the sunken ship. Committee chair Simanu said that fuel salvaging was expected to start in mid-November 2024 and last about 20 days depending on weather conditions.{{cite news |last1=Lei'ataua |first1=Susana |title=HMNZS Manawanui: 'Challenging' salvage efforts underway after Navy ship sank |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/531341/hmnzs-manawanui-challenging-salvage-efforts-underway-after-navy-ship-sank |access-date=20 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=20 October 2024 |archive-date=19 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219085428/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/531341/hmnzs-manawanui-challenging-salvage-efforts-underway-after-navy-ship-sank |url-status=live }} On 21 October, the NZDF confirmed that NZ and Samoan teams had successfully removed the second container containing food supplies.{{cite web |title=Two containers successfully removed from reef after HMNZS Manawanui sinking |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/two-containers-successfully-removed-from-reef-after-hmnzs-manawanui-sinking/ |publisher=New Zealand Defence Force |access-date=22 October 2024 |date=21 October 2024 |archive-date=5 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241105232110/https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/two-containers-successfully-removed-from-reef-after-hmnzs-manawanui-sinking/ |url-status=live }} On 23 October, the third container was removed from the reef following four days of coordination between the NZDF, local contractor Ark Marine and the support of Samoan authorities.{{cite news |title=Final container removed from reef after Manawanui sinking |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/10/23/final-container-removed-from-reef-after-manawanui-sinking/ |access-date=25 October 2024 |work=1News |date=23 October 2024 |archive-date=13 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113015527/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/10/23/final-container-removed-from-reef-after-manawanui-sinking/ |url-status=live }} The containers were disposed of at a nearby port while the food supplies were buried in a landfill.{{cite news |title=Manawanui: No timeline for fuel tank removal, Defence Force says |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/531747/manawanui-no-timeline-for-fuel-tank-removal-defence-force-says |access-date=25 October 2024 |work=RNZ |date=24 October 2024 |archive-date=19 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219215913/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/531747/manawanui-no-timeline-for-fuel-tank-removal-defence-force-says |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Rovoi |first1=Christine |title=HMNZS Manawanui: Containers removed as oil spill cleanup put on hold due to CHOGM |url=https://pmn.co.nz/read/environment/hmnzs-manawanui |access-date=25 October 2024 |work=Pacific Media Network |date=24 October 2024 |archive-date=4 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241104231719/https://pmn.co.nz/read/environment/hmnzs-manawanui |url-status=live }} On 24 October, the NZDF said it was unable to provide a timeframe for removing the ship and its fuel tanks from the reef.
On 1 November the NZDF stated that removing fuel would commence in November 2024. In response, University of Waikato associate professor in biodiversity and ecology Nick Ling expressed concern about the pace of the removal and the monitoring of oil leaks.{{cite news |title=Manawanui wreck: Fuel removal due to begin this month |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/11/01/manawanui-wreck-fuel-removal-due-to-begin-this-month/ |access-date=5 November 2024 |work=1News |date=1 November 2024}} On 18 November Deputy Chief of the Navy Andrew Brown confirmed that work to remove the fuel and other contaminants from HMNZS Manawanui is expected to commence in December 2024. Fuel removal will be carried out by salvage companies Pacific 7 and Bay Underwater Services NZ.{{cite news |title=Operation to remove fuel from sunken naval vessel set to start in December |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/534107/operation-to-remove-fuel-from-sunken-naval-vessel-set-to-start-in-december |work=RNZ |date=18 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241119113354/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/534107/operation-to-remove-fuel-from-sunken-naval-vessel-set-to-start-in-december |archive-date=19 November 2024|url-status=live}} On 25 November, the NZDF dispatched a barge carrying salvage crew and equipment to assist in removing oil and other pollutants from the southern coast of Upola. The barge was towed by an ocean-going tug on a voyage expected to last 10 to 11 days.{{cite news |last1=Frykberg |first1=Laura |title=Barge to get 10-day tow to Samoa to assist in HMNZS Manawanui clean up |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360497316/nzdf-barge-get-10-day-tow-samoa-assist-hmnzs-manawanui-clean |access-date=1 December 2024 |work=Stuff |date=25 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124183115/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360497316/nzdf-barge-get-10-day-tow-samoa-assist-hmnzs-manawanui-clean |archive-date=24 November 2024}} On 24 December, the NZDF confirmed that the salvage barge had arrived off the south-west coast of Upolu island and would commence fuel extraction soon.{{cite web |author1=New Zealand Defence Force |title=Latest Update On The HMNZS Manawanui Response |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2412/S00876/latest-update-on-the-hmnzs-manawanui-response-24-december-2024.htm |website=Scoop |access-date=27 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227022634/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2412/S00876/latest-update-on-the-hmnzs-manawanui-response-24-december-2024.htm |archive-date=27 December 2024 |date=24 December 2024 |url-status=live}}
In early January 2025 the NZDF commenced the first cycle of fuel removal. The second cycle commenced in late January 2025 and lasted 17 days, concluding during the first week of February 2025. On 27 March, the NZDF confirmed that the Science Research Organisation of Samoa had reported that the seawater and marine life around the wreckage site was "clear and uncontaminated." NZDF commodore Andrew Brown also confirmed that salvors had cut access into the ship and retrieved weapons and ammunition from secure compartments. He also announced that independent experts were conducting a wreck assessment in the vicinity of the Manawanui including studies of the local reef and marine environment to help inform the next steps.{{cite news |title='Clear and uncontaminated' water near sunken Manawanui - NZDF |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/556351/clear-and-uncontaminated-water-near-sunken-manawanui-nzdf |access-date=4 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=27 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330001700/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/556351/clear-and-uncontaminated-water-near-sunken-manawanui-nzdf |archive-date=30 March 2025}}
In late May 2025, the 2025 New Zealand budget allocated NZ$77 million to writing off the Manawanui for the 2024-2025 financial year. This sum included NZ$32 million for clean-up, salvage, and other remedial activities at the shipwreck site.{{cite news |last1=Pennington |first1=Phil |title=Sunken Manawanui listed as $77m write-off in Budget |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/562020/sunken-manawanui-listed-as-77m-write-off-in-budget |access-date=25 May 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=24 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250525071146/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/562020/sunken-manawanui-listed-as-77m-write-off-in-budget |archive-date=25 May 2025 |url-status=live}} By 30 May, Commodore Brown confirmed that the salvors' barge had returned to New Zealand with equipment and debris from the Manawanui which could not be repurposed, along with the tanktainers containing the unusable diesel fuel, oil and seawater mix, the azipod and the ship's anchors and chains. The NZDF also held a small ceremony to acknowledge the salvors, Pacific 7 Limited and Bay Underwater Services NZ limited. Brown also confirmed that the Defence Force was awaiting an independent draft wreck assessment.{{cite web |author1=New Zealand Defence Force |title=The Latest Update On The HMNZS Manawanui Response |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2505/S00978/the-latest-update-on-the-hmnzs-manawanui-response.htm |website=Scoop |access-date=1 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531064928/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2505/S00978/the-latest-update-on-the-hmnzs-manawanui-response.htm |archive-date=31 May 2025 |date=30 May 2025 |url-status=live}}
=Reactions=
The sinking of Manawanui led to female members of the NZDF being subjected to abuse online and in person. Commander Gray was also abused by online commentators and was accused of being hired due to her gender.{{cite web |url=https://gayexpress.co.nz/2024/10/sexism-and-homophobia-cant-diminish-commander-grays-heroic-actions/ |title=Sexism and Homophobia Can't Diminish Commander Gray's Heroic Actions |publisher=Gay Express |date=7 October 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |archive-date=9 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009114327/https://gayexpress.co.nz/2024/10/sexism-and-homophobia-cant-diminish-commander-grays-heroic-actions/ |url-status=live }} On 10 October the New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins condemned these activities, labelling them a "deeply concerning misogynistic narrative".{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/530342/watch-judith-collins-faces-questions-amid-conflicting-reports-about-manawanui-leak |title=Watch: Judith Collins faces questions amid conflicting reports about Manawanui leak |publisher=RNZ |date=11 October 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |archive-date=10 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010030029/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/530342/watch-judith-collins-faces-questions-amid-conflicting-reports-about-manawanui-leak |url-status=live }} The Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, also called on the attacks to stop.{{cite news |last1=McKay |first1=Ben |title=Female captain of NZ ship that sank subjected to vicious online abuse |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/female-captain-of-nz-ship-that-sank-subjected-to-vicious-online-abuse-20241010-p5khd1.html |access-date=10 October 2024 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=10 October 2024 |language=en |archive-date=10 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010040453/https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/female-captain-of-nz-ship-that-sank-subjected-to-vicious-online-abuse-20241010-p5khd1.html |url-status=live }}
=Court of inquiry=
The loss of the ship will be investigated by a naval court of inquiry.{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350441771/evacuation-manawanui-after-samoa-grounding-saved-lives-says-navy-chief |title=Evacuation of Manawanui after Samoa grounding 'saved lives', says navy chief |publisher=Stuff |author=Glenn McConnell |date=6 October 2024 |access-date=6 October 2024 |archive-date=6 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006004321/https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350441771/evacuation-manawanui-after-samoa-grounding-saved-lives-says-navy-chief |url-status=live }} Rear Admiral Golding has said that some parts of the inquiry will be public and others, such as where commercially sensitive information is discussed, will be confidential.{{cite web |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/530122/manawanui-was-in-a-maintenance-period-before-being-deployed-nzdf |title=Manawanui was 'in a maintenance period' before being deployed – NZDF |publisher=RNZ |date=8 October 2024}} The court of inquiry will be headed by Commodore Melissa Ross, who is a former Deputy Chief of Navy in the RNZN. The other members of the court of inquiry will be Captain Andrew Mahoney from the RNZN, Group Captain John McWilliam from the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Captain Dean Battilana from the Royal Australian Navy.{{cite news |title=Australian Officer joins HMNZS Manawanui Court of Inquiry |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australian-officer-joins-hmnzs-manawanui-court-of-inquiry |access-date=12 October 2024 |work=Australian Defence Magazine |date=10 October 2024 |language=en |archive-date=10 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010050737/https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australian-officer-joins-hmnzs-manawanui-court-of-inquiry |url-status=live }}
On 20 November, the interim Court of Inquiry report on the sinking was received by the Chief of the Navy. It was handed over to a King's Counsel for an independent legal review, with some of the key information{{cite news |title=HMNZS Manawanui: Salvage companies ready for fuel removal phase |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/534349/hmnzs-manawanui-salvage-companies-ready-for-fuel-removal-phase |access-date=20 November 2024 |work=RNZ |date=20 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120112012/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/534349/hmnzs-manawanui-salvage-companies-ready-for-fuel-removal-phase |archive-date=20 November 2024|url-status=live}} released on 29 November. The inquiry found that human error was responsible for the sinking, including the failure by the crew to disengage the autopilot as the ship approached land and their belief that its failure to respond to commands to change direction was due to the failure of its thruster control.{{cite web |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/human-error-hmnzs-manawanui-grounding/ |website=Naval Technology |access-date=18 March 2025 |date=2 December 2024 |title=Human error causes HMNZS Manawanui grounding near Samoa |archive-date=21 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121191608/https://www.naval-technology.com/news/human-error-hmnzs-manawanui-grounding/ |url-status=live }} A separate disciplinary process will begin after the inquiry is complete, where three crew members (who the Chief would not name) may be disciplined.{{cite web |last1=Graham-McLay |first1=Charlotte |title=Crew mistakes caused the sinking of a New Zealand navy ship off Samoan coast, inquiry finds |date=29 November 2024 |url=https://apnews.com/article/zealand-navy-ship-samoa-manawanui-sinking-military-dd9cccaa0739ef98f615cc4969a117b0 |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=16 December 2024 |archive-date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204070908/https://apnews.com/article/zealand-navy-ship-samoa-manawanui-sinking-military-dd9cccaa0739ef98f615cc4969a117b0 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Human error caused the sinking of a New Zealand navy ship off the coast of Samoa, an inquiry finds |url=https://apnews.com/article/zealand-navy-ship-samoa-manawanui-sinking-military-dd9cccaa0739ef98f615cc4969a117b0 |access-date=29 November 2024 |work=Associated Press |date=29 November 2024 |archive-date=29 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129025132/https://apnews.com/article/zealand-navy-ship-samoa-manawanui-sinking-military-dd9cccaa0739ef98f615cc4969a117b0 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Ewe |first1=Koh |title=Crashed NZ navy ship was left on autopilot, inquiry finds |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yp1jz6g75o |access-date=30 November 2024 |work=BBC News |date=29 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129112518/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yp1jz6g75o |archive-date=29 November 2024}} Former Samoan MP Tuia Pu'a Leota welcomed the initial finding and urged the Samoan government to do more to address local questions. Meanwhile, Victoria University of Wellington political scientist Iati Iati called for an international inquiry into the sinking of the Manawanui and criticised the timeframe of the New Zealand naval inquiry.
On 4 April 2025, the naval court of inquiry's final report confirmed that a series of human errors by two crew members (dubbed "Witness 2" and "Witness 4") had caused the sinking of the Manawanui. The report found that it took crew ten minutes to regain full control of the ship's propulsion system and that crew managed to disengage the autopilot. It also concluded that the ship sunk as a result of hull damage. Commodore Melissa Ross said that the captain's decision to evacuate the ship was the "right one." Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding also confirmed that the RNZN would commence a "disciplinary investigation."{{cite news |last1=Leahy |first1=Ben |title=HMNZS Manawanui sank on Samoan reef due to human error report finds, 'disciplinary investigation' underway |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/final-report-into-why-hmnzs-manawanui-hit-samoan-reef-and-sunk-is-delivered/BO54AC2ZFNH6JJXRALPSUHJYHI/ |access-date=4 April 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=4 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404031212/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/final-report-into-why-hmnzs-manawanui-hit-samoan-reef-and-sunk-is-delivered/BO54AC2ZFNH6JJXRALPSUHJYHI/ |archive-date=4 April 2025}} The final report found that the Captain and 19 other members of her crew were under-trained, with several lacking the necessary qualifications and experience to operate the Manawanui. The court of inquiry also found that the Manawanui was under-equipped for its hydrographic surveying mission in Samoa.{{cite news |title=Crew on Manawanui during sinking were under-trained, ship not up to task - report |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557180/crew-on-manawanui-during-sinking-were-under-trained-ship-not-up-to-task-report |access-date=7 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=4 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407231430/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557180/crew-on-manawanui-during-sinking-were-under-trained-ship-not-up-to-task-report |archive-date=7 April 2025|url-status=live}}
Replacement
There is no planned replacement for HMNZS Manawanui. The offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Otago will take on the ship's role, but lacks some of Manawanui{{'}}s specialised equipment.{{cite web| url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/19/hmnzs-manawanui-will-not-be-replaced-government-says| title=HMNZS Manawanui will not be replaced, Government says| access-date=18 March 2025| archive-date=21 March 2025| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321102309/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/19/hmnzs-manawanui-will-not-be-replaced-government-says/| url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/new-zealand-does-not-plan-to-replace-lost-survey-ship-manawanui | title=New Zealand Does Not Plan to Replace Lost Survey Ship Manawanui | access-date=18 March 2025 | archive-date=24 January 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124062218/https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/new-zealand-does-not-plan-to-replace-lost-survey-ship-manawanui | url-status=live }}
See also
- {{RV|Tangaroa}} – NIWA ice-strengthened research ship
References
=Citations=
{{reflist}}
=Works consulted=
- {{cite web |last1=New Zealand Defence Force |title=New Zealand Defence Force Annual Report 2020 |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/assets/Uploads/DocumentLibrary/20-099-NZDF-Annual-Report-2020-FA-WEB-1.pdf |publisher=New Zealand Defence Force |date=2020a}}
- {{cite web |last1=New Zealand Defence Force |title=New Zealand Defence Force Annual Report 2021 |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/assets/Uploads/DocumentLibrary/M21-038-NZDF-Annual-Report-2021-WEB.pdf |publisher=New Zealand Defence Force |date=2021}}
- {{cite web |last1=New Zealand Defence Force |title=New Zealand Defence Force Annual Report 2022 |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/assets/Uploads/DocumentLibrary/22-0341-NZDF-Annual-Report-2022-WEB.PDF |publisher=New Zealand Defence Force |date=2022}}
- {{cite book |last1=New Zealand Ministry of Defence |title=Major Projects Report 2023 |date=2023 |publisher=New Zealand Government |location=Wellington |isbn=978-0-473-70936-5 |url=https://www.defence.govt.nz/assets/publications/Defence-Major-Projects-Report-2023.pdf}}
External links
{{Commons}}
- [https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/navy/our-equipment/ships-and-watercraft/hmnzs-manawanui/ HMNZS Manawanui official page]
{{Coord|-14.0240|-171.8250|display=title}}
{{2024 shipwrecks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Manawanui}}
Category:2024 in international relations
Category:October 2024 in Oceania
Category:October 2024 in New Zealand
Category:Maritime incidents in 2024
Category:Auxiliary ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy
Category:Maritime incidents in Samoa
Category:Shipwrecks of New Zealand
Category:Shipwrecks in the Pacific Ocean