New Zealand Navy Ship Capsizes After Striking Samoan Reef

October 7, 2024 TruthUSA

Officials in Samoa are currently evaluating the potential environmental impact following a warning from the prime minister about a likely oil spill.

A New Zealand Navy ship caught fire and sank off the coast of Samoa, according to authorities.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening while the HMNZS Manawanui was conducting a hydrographic survey about one nautical mile from shore.

By Sunday morning, the ship had capsized and sunk after being seen listing heavily and emitting smoke the previous evening. Evacuations began promptly, and all crew and passengers were safely rescued, though some sustained minor injuries as reported by authorities in Samoa.

Photos and videos taken from the shore depicted the ship listing before disappearing beneath the waves completely.

This loss marks New Zealand’s first naval loss at sea since World War II, with the ship being one of only nine in the country’s naval fleet.

Dave Poole, a witness to the fiery ship, described the scene to Reuters news agency, mentioning that the ship sank shortly after catching fire.

Pushing The Life Rafts Toward The Reefs

Rescue efforts for the Manawanui vessel near Samoa’s Upolu Island were faced with challenges due to currents, winds, and swells pushing life rafts and sea boats towards reefs,

The New Zealand Defence Force highlighted the difficulties faced during the rescue efforts in a statement.

The exact cause of the ship’s grounding remains unknown at this stage and will require further investigation.

Maritime Component Commander Commodore Shane Arndell expressed gratitude for the assistance in rescuing the crew and passengers from Manawanui to safety.

Oil Spill

Officials in Samoa are currently conducting an environmental impact assessment in the area where the ship sank due to concerns of a potential oil spill, as stated by acting Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio.

The Samoan Islands house numerous species of reef-building coral, raising environmental concerns.

The possibility of an oil spill is deemed “highly probable” after the ship sank irreversibly into the ocean, according to officials.

Defense Minister Judith Collins stated that salvaging the vessel is unlikely due to its condition.

Efforts are now focused on assessing the potential environmental impact, with concerns raised regarding New Zealand’s aging military hardware and its implications.

Ageing Military

Concerns over New Zealand’s aging military hardware have been raised by defense officials, indicating struggles with maintaining operational capacity due to a shortage of personnel and outdated equipment.

Operational challenges due to workforce shortages have led to some vessels being non-operational, impacting the country’s naval fleet.

The sunken Manawanui was actively fulfilling duties in the South West Pacific and had various upcoming activities planned before this unfortunate incident unfolded.

AP and Reuters contributed to this report.

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