New Zealand Navy Loses 1st Ship At Sea Since WWII After It Catches Fire & Sinks
The Royal New Zealand Navy has lost its first ship at sea since World War II. The HMNZS Manawanui sank off the coast of Samoa after running aground and catching fire.
All 75 crew members and passengers on board were safely rescued, but the incident has raised serious concerns for the New Zealand Defence Force.
The Manawanui, a specialty diving and hydrographic vessel, ran aground during a reef survey on October 5th off the southern coast of Upolu Island, Samoa.
0In challenging conditions, the crew and passengers were evacuated onto lifeboats and rescued by nearby vessels. Among those on board were scientific personnel and foreign military members.
The ship caught fire after running aground and capsized by Sunday morning, sending thick grey smoke into the air as it disappeared beneath the surface.
The cause of the grounding is still unknown, but there are reports that the ship may have lost power before the incident occurred.
The New Zealand Defence Force has launched an investigation, and efforts are being made to assess the environmental impact, including potential fuel spills in the area.
The Samoan government is monitoring the situation closely, with concerns about potential environmental damage due to the ship’s fuel.
The HMNZS Manawanui was a key asset for New Zealand’s naval operations, purchased in 2018 and used for diving, hydrographic surveys, and salvage operations.