The Royal New Zealand Navy vessel, HMNZS Manawanui, ran aground near the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa, on October 5, 2024. The incident occurred while the ship was conducting a reef survey. All 78 personnel on board were safely evacuated to life rafts, and no injuries have been reported. A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8 Poseidon was dispatched to assist in the ongoing rescue efforts.
The vessel, which specialises in dive and hydrographic tasks, has been a key asset for underwater surveys and the disposal of unexploded World War II ordnance in the Pacific. At the time of the incident, the Manawanui was in Samoa ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for later in the month. Local sources report seeing emergency flares shortly after the ship grounded, prompting a swift response from nearby rescue teams.
On Saturday night, the Samoa Maritime Police successfully rescued 75 sailors from the Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Manawanui after it ran aground on a reef off the coast of Siumu, Samoa. Early Sunday morning, a Samoa Ports Authority tugboat was dispatched to assess the situation, with growing concerns over a potential oil spill and reports that the vessel had caught fire.
Efforts to mitigate further damage are being closely monitored by local authorities, with the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) on standby for any developments. In addition to the Samoa Police, the Nafanua Police boat and a cable ship are involved in transferring the remaining crew members to Matautu. Some of the rescued sailors were transported to the residence of the New Zealand High Commission.
Late on Saturday, the Manawanui was declared an abandoned vessel as authorities continued managing the situation, particularly to prevent environmental damage from an oil spill. This incident has been a coordinated effort between local agencies and international support, ensuring the safety of the crew and minimising risks to the environment
The New Zealand Defence Force and the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) are closely coordinating the rescue and recovery operations (NZDF)(Nighthawk NZ)
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