New Zealand Navy Vessel Sinks Off Samoa, Raising Environmental Concerns

New Zealand’s navy has lost its first vessel since World War II after the HMNZS Manawanui sank off the coast of Samoa on Sunday, raising concerns over a potential environmental disaster. The specialist dive and hydrographic ship ran aground on a reef near the island of Upolo during a survey mission, according to New Zealand authorities. The ship, carrying 75 crew members, lost power on Saturday evening and was reported to be “listing heavily” by Sunday morning before sinking entirely by 9 a.m.

The incident has sparked fears of environmental damage in waters that are crucial for local fishing and tourism industries. The area is home to sea turtles and other marine life, and local businesses are worried about the potential impact. “We have a large population of sea turtles that swim around our lagoon,” said Brian Rose, manager at Coconuts Beach Club at Maninoa. “I’m hoping that nothing happens to them.”

The HMNZS Manawanui was a vital part of New Zealand’s naval operations, having been purchased in 2018 for $100 million NZD ($61 million). It was primarily used for surveying harbors and providing support for both combat and disaster relief missions. The sinking marks the first accidental loss of a New Zealand naval ship since World War II. A court of inquiry has been launched to investigate the cause of the incident.

Authorities are now focused on assessing the risk of an oil spill from the ship, which was carrying significant quantities of diesel, lubricating oil, and other potentially hazardous materials. New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins expressed concern over the environmental threat posed by the wreckage. “It’s got a lot of oil on board… we can’t just leave it like that,” Collins said. Divers were dispatched to the site on Sunday night to assess the damage and determine the depth of the vessel.

Samoan Acting Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio confirmed in a statement that an oil spill was likely. “The HMNZS Manawanui is not recoverable and has sunk into the ocean,” he said.

The rescue operation involved numerous vessels and aircraft, including a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon. All 75 crew members were safely evacuated by 5 a.m. Sunday. However, witnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the ship before it sank. “It took 15 minutes for the boat to be fully ablaze and then sink,” said Dave Poole, a local resident.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon announced that environmental spill kits had been sent to the area to help mitigate the damage. The full environmental impact of the incident is yet to be determined.