The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) recently marked the first anniversary of the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui off the Samoan coast, reaffirming its commitment to recovery efforts and the management of environmental impacts from the incident. The vessel was lost on October 6, 2024, while conducting survey tasks near Upolu, leading to its sinking later that evening.
Captain Rodger Ward, who took over as Manawanui Response Lead from Commodore Andrew Brown, reflected on the successful evacuation of all 75 crew and passengers thanks to the prompt actions of local Samoan authorities and community members. “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 remarked.
Over the past year, the NZDF has made substantial efforts to mitigate the environmental consequences of the wreck. By collaborating closely with Samoan officials, the NZDF has removed fallen shipping containers and retrieved hazardous materials such as fuel and oil from the site. Ward noted that monitoring has indicated notable improvements in water quality, with no elevated levels of hydrocarbons detected, which led to the lifting of fishing restrictions in February.
Additionally, Ward emphasized the importance of supporting both the marine environment affected by the sinking and the individuals involved, 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 said, praising the cooperation from the Samoan government and its citizens throughout the recovery process.
As part of a thorough investigation into the incident, the NZDF completed a Court of Inquiry and continues to work on implementing its recommendations. While potential disciplinary actions are still pending, Ward assured the public of the NZDF’s dedication to accountability and collaboration with Samoan authorities.
In a notable gesture to commemorate the anniversary, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced a payment of SAT 10 million (about NZD 6 million) to support Samoa’s ongoing recovery and environmental management initiatives following the tragedy.
This cooperation reflects a unified approach between the NZDF and the Samoan government, focusing on addressing the incident’s physical and psychological impacts. Such collaborative efforts highlight resilience and a commitment to protecting the marine environment, setting a hopeful precedent for future international cooperation in maritime incidents.