The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) recently commemorated one year since the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Samoa, reaffirming its dedication to both the recovery efforts and the management of any environmental impacts stemming from the incident. The vessel ran aground on 6 October 2024 while performing a survey task near Upolu, leading to its sinking later that night.
Captain Rodger Ward, who succeeded Commodore Andrew Brown as the Manawanui Response Lead, reflected on the eventful day when all 75 crew members and passengers successfully evacuated the ship, thanks in large part to local Samoan authorities and the community’s courageous response. “Today marks one year since the sinking… In the ensuing hours, despite the elements and the darkness, all… made their way to shore safely,” Ward noted.
Over the past year, significant progress has been achieved in addressing the consequences of the wreck. Collaborating closely with Samoan officials, the NZDF has worked diligently to mitigate environmental impacts, removing fallen shipping containers and retrieving fuel, oil, pollutants, and debris from the wreck. Ward emphasized that monitoring has shown noticeable improvement in water quality, with no elevated hydrocarbons detected, leading to the lifting of fishing restrictions in February.
Furthermore, Ward highlighted the importance of supporting not just the affected marine environment but also the individuals involved in the incident, including sailors and rescue personnel. “One year on, we recognize the impact this has had on the people of Samoa, particularly on the communities of the South coast…,” he stated, commending the cooperation received from the Samoan government and citizens throughout this challenging process.
The NZDF completed a comprehensive Court of Inquiry into the incident, with ongoing efforts to implement its recommendations. While any potential disciplinary actions are yet to be determined, Ward reassured the public of NZDF’s commitment to accountability and cooperation with Samoan authorities.
In a significant gesture marking the anniversary, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced a payment of SAT 10 million (approximately NZD 6 million) to support Samoa’s continued recovery and environmental management following the tragedy.
This commitment highlights a united approach between the NZDF and the Samoan government to address the incident’s physical and psychological impacts, ensuring the recovery efforts can continue effectively. Such collaborative efforts underscore a positive reinforcement of resilience and dedication to safeguarding the marine environment, setting a hopeful precedent for future cooperation between nations in dealing with maritime incidents.