The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has marked one year since the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Samoa, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Samoa’s recovery efforts and addressing the environmental and operational consequences of the incident.
Captain Rodger Ward, who recently took over from Commodore Andrew Brown as the Manawanui Response Lead, reflected on the events of 06 October 2024, when the vessel ran aground on a reef off Upolu while conducting a survey task and later sank.
“Today marks one year since the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Samoa on 6 October 2024,” Ward said.
“The ship ran aground the previous evening on a reef off Upolu while conducting a survey task. In the ensuing hours, despite the elements and the darkness, all 75 ship’s company and passengers made their way to shore safely, thanks in very great part to Samoan authorities and the courage of the local Samoan community who responded to the incident as it unfolded.”
Ward said significant progress had been made in the past year to address the environmental and logistical impacts of the wreck.
“Alongside our Samoan colleagues much work has been carried out in the past 12 months to minimise the effects of the sinking and investigate the causes. Fallen shipping containers have been removed. Fuel, oil, other pollutants, equipment, weapons, ammunition and debris have been recovered and the wreck has been made as safe as possible,” he said.
He confirmed that more work remains to be done, including an independent wreck assessment and environmental studies.
“Further work is required. That work includes progressing an independent wreck assessment together with environmental studies. This information will be essential in supporting decisions about the future work required,” Ward said.
“The priority remains, as it has been throughout, to minimise any environmental impacts of the sinking, and to support the Government of Samoa in its response.”
Ward noted that water quality in the affected area had improved considerably.
“It is pleasing to note that monitoring by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa has shown the seawater in the area is clear and uncontaminated from elevated hydrocarbons resulting in the warning on fishing being lifted completely in February,” he said.
He also acknowledged the psychological and social impact of the incident.
“We also recognise the need to support the sailors, passengers, and those involved in the rescue, and what followed,” Ward said.
“One year on we recognise the impact that the sinking has had on the people of Samoa, particularly the communities of the South coast, and also the support the NZDF has received from the Government and people of Samoa in dealing with the aftermath.”
Ward confirmed that a Court of Inquiry into the causes of the grounding had been completed.
“A comprehensive Court of Inquiry into the causes has been concluded and considerable work to implement the recommendations is underway,” he said. “Any disciplinary proceedings that may arise are yet to be determined, but we can advise that the investigation is reaching its closing stages.”
He reaffirmed the NZDF’s commitment to accountability and cooperation.
“The NZDF and our supporting agencies remain committed to doing the right thing: working with the Government of Samoa in dealing with the effects of the sinking, implementing the recommendations of the Court of Inquiry and ensuring that the 75 ship’s company and passengers continue to be supported,” Ward said.
“In reflecting on a year on from the grounding and sinking, we remain eternally grateful that no lives were lost,” he added.
Marking the one-year anniversary, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that the New Zealand Government has made a payment of Samoan Tala (SAT) 10 million (NZD$6 million) to the Government of Samoa following the incident.
The payment follows a formal request from the Samoan Government and is intended to support its ongoing recovery and environmental management efforts.
Further inquiries have been directed to the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
