The New Zealand government has agreed to pay Samoa 10 million tala (approximately $3.51 million) in compensation for the 2024 sinking of the Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Manawanui off Samoa’s coast.

The incident occurred on 6 October 2024 when Manawanui, an 84-meter-long, 5,700-tonne specialist dive and hydrographic vessel of the New Zealand Navy, ran aground on a reef off the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa, during a survey mission.

After grounding, the vessel caught fire, prompting the crew to abandon ship. Thick grey smoke was reported rising from the area before the ship eventually capsized and sank beneath the surface. This marks New Zealand’s first naval ship lost at sea since World War II.

All 75 crew members and passengers made it safely to shore. An official inquiry later determined that human error was the cause of the accident.

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, confirmed the payment in response to a request from the Samoan government. Peters stated that the decision reflects recognition of the impact the incident had on local communities and the disruption it caused.

Since the incident, considerable recovery work has been carried out. Salvage teams have removed diesel fuel, oil, pollutants, equipment, weapons, ammunition, and shipping containers from the wreck.

Although the vessel remains on the reef, environmental monitoring by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa has confirmed seawater quality is clear and free of elevated hydrocarbons. Consequently, the fishing warning in the area was lifted in February this year.

Marking one year since the incident, Captain Rodger Ward, who now leads the HMNZS Manawanui response, expressed gratitude for Samoa’s assistance. He said further work remains, including an independent wreck assessment and environmental studies to decide the future of the vessel.

Ward confirmed that a comprehensive Court of Inquiry into the incident has concluded and that significant steps to implement its recommendations are underway. He added that any disciplinary action arising from the findings is still under consideration as investigations reach their final stages.

The New Zealand Defence Force has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Samoa to address the effects of the sinking, uphold environmental protection, and support those affected.

Reference: Reuters, NZDF

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