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The Royal New Zealand Navy multi-role offshore support vessel HMNZS Manawanui has sunk after running aground during a reef survey in Samoa.
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Seventy-five crew and passengers were rescued from HMNZS Manawanui and flown via New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules transport aircraft back to RNZAF Base Auckland, New Zealand, on 7 October.
The C-130J was originally loaded with medical and welfare personnel, a dive team and light clean-up equipment before arriving at Samoa’s capital, Apia, on 6 October.
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding said the full resources of the New Zealand Defence Force were being made available to support personnel with medical checks, debriefings, psychological support and welfare. Some people had required medical treatment.
All those who had been on board HMNZS Manawanui had been given food and support, and issued with supplies such as dry clothes, shoes and toiletries while they were accommodated in Apia.
Rear Admiral Golding said the New Zealand response was focused on supporting the Samoan government to understand possible environmental impacts from the incident and reduce those as much as possible, with teams from across multiple agencies involved.
Rescued personnel have attended debriefings and been reunited with their families. Three passengers from another agency returned to New Zealand via a commercial flight. A second C-130H Hercules aircraft, which took freight to Samoa, has also returned to New Zealand.
A Court of Inquiry into the incident is in the process of being set up.
“The 75 crew and passengers on board HMNZS Manawanui have made it to safety in Samoa after the ship grounded near the southern coast of Upolu,” a statement made by Maritime Component Commander Commodore Shane Arndell said on 6 October.
“The incident occurred on Saturday evening while the ship was conducting a reef survey. The 75 left the ship in life rafts and sea boats after the ship grounded.
“The New Zealand Defence Force worked closely with Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) which coordinated rescue efforts.
“Several vessels responded and assisted in rescuing crew and passengers. A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon was also deployed.”
