New Zealand Navy ship catches fire and sinks off Samoa with passengers onboard


Monday, October 7, 2024 -
A Royal New Zealand Navy vessel, HMNZS Manawanui, ran aground and sank off the coast of Samoa, but all 75 crew and passengers on board were reported safe, according to a statement from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

The incident occurred near the southern coast of Upolu, an island in Samoa, on Saturday night while the navy's specialist dive and hydrographic vessel was conducting a reef survey.

Commodore Shane Arndell, the maritime component commander of the NZDF, said that several vessels responded to assist in the rescue operation for those who had evacuated the ship into lifeboats.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon was also deployed to support the rescue efforts.

The cause of the grounding is currently unknown and will require further investigation, the NZDF stated.

Local media reported video and photos showing Manawanui listing heavily, with plumes of thick grey smoke rising from the vessel.

By 9:00 am local time, the ship had capsized and was submerged.

The NZDF is working with authorities to assess the situation and minimise any environmental impacts.

 

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