by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
Government and environmental agencies in Samoa are on high alert following a fire that caused a New Zealand Navy ship to sink off the south coast of Upolu.
The HMNZS Manawanui, a specialized dive and hydrographic vessel, was conducting a reef survey when it struck the reef on Saturday night.
Seventy-five crew members and passengers were evacuated using liferafts and other boats that responded to the incident.
Samoa’s fire commissioner, Tanuvasa Petone, reported that the ship caught fire and sank on Sunday morning after a successful rescue operation. Three individuals on board required hospital treatment.
“They’re all safe on land, apart from a few who sustained minor injuries. We treated them on-site and then transferred them to the hospital,” he said.
Petone noted that the weather conditions were “quite rough and windy.”
Defence Minister Judith Collins, speaking from the Devonport Naval Base, described it as “a very sad day for the Navy.” She mentioned that a Court of Inquiry will investigate the incident, although the cause of the grounding remains unclear at this time.
Her immediate concern is to address environmental impacts and salvage any parts of the HMNZS Manawanui, if feasible.
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding reported that two people were hospitalized—one with a dislocated shoulder and another with a back injury. An additional 12-15 individuals suffered minor cuts, abrasions, and soreness.
Labour’s Defence spokesperson, Peeni Henare, expressed his sorrow over the event and extended his thoughts to the crew of the HMNZS Manawanui.
“I’m relieved to hear they are all safe and out of danger,” he said. “I want to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of those who coordinated the rescue of our New Zealand crew. I’m confident that New Zealand and our partners will work tirelessly to respond and support Samoa during this challenging time.”
The Defence Force is expected to provide more updates on Sunday afternoon.
