Royal New Zealand Navy Research Vessel Sinks Off Samoa After Grounding

A Royal New Zealand Navy research vessel, the HMNZS Manawanui, has sunk after running aground off the coast of Samoa, marking the first loss of a Navy vessel at sea since World War II, according to a statement from the New Zealand Defence Force.

On Saturday evening, the Manawanui was conducting a hydrographic survey on a reef near Upolu, one of Samoa’s main islands, when it grounded about one nautical mile from shore in rough and windy conditions. The ship had not been surveyed since 1987, and the circumstances leading to the grounding are still under investigation.

Initial efforts by the crew to refloat the vessel were unsuccessful, and it began to list. With 75 crew members and passengers on board, they started evacuating into lifeboats around 8 PM. Multiple rescue vessels, coordinated by the NZ Rescue Coordination Centre, responded to assist.

The evacuation faced “extremely challenging” conditions due to strong winds and currents pushing lifeboats towards the island’s reefs. Heavy swells further complicated the situation, but all personnel were successfully rescued, with most sustaining no serious injuries. Fourteen people were injured, including one with a dislocated shoulder and others suffering cuts and abrasions from crossing a reef to reach safety. They have been provided accommodations in Samoa and will be repatriated by military transport.

By Sunday morning, smoke and flames were observed rising from the ship, which was heavily listing before it ultimately capsized and sank around 9 AM.

The New Zealand Defence Force is working with Samoan authorities to evaluate any potential pollution threat and to mitigate risks. The acting Samoan prime minister, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, mentioned that a fuel spill near the wreck is “highly possible,” and assessments are underway.

The sinking represents a setback for the New Zealand Navy, which is currently facing personnel shortages and has three vessels at the pier that cannot be manned. The HMNZS Manawanui, built in 2003 and originally named Edda Fonn, was purchased by the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2018 for $90 million and refitted for its new mission, entering service in 2019. Over the past four years, the vessel conducted various operations, including humanitarian relief and ordnance disposal missions in the Pacific Islands.