Oil spill feared after New Zealand navy ship sinks off Samoa
NZ navy ship grounding may cause significant oil spill off Samoa
An oil spill is “highly probable” following the grounding and sinking of a New Zealand navy ship off the coast of Samoa, according to the Pacific island nation’s acting prime minister. Late Sunday, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio confirmed officials in Samoa are conducting an environmental assessment in the area where the HMNZS Manawanui sank that morning.
New Zealand’s Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, reported that all 75 people aboard the ship were safely evacuated on life rafts amid challenging conditions and darkness. The vessel, located about a mile from shore, hit a reef and started taking on water. It took the first survivors five hours to reach land.
New Zealand will hold a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the disaster. The HMNZS Manawanui, a specialist dive and hydrographic vessel in service since 2019, was surveying a reef off Upolu, Samoa’s most populous island, when it ran aground. Photos and videos from the shore showed the ship listing before disappearing beneath the waves, with smoke rising from the site.
Agree. Bloody sad watching villagers who came out of Church to watch… visibly distressed.
Word here in Samoa is the ship lost power. Let’s leave Captain and crew alone. Some of the comments on here are gutless and disgusting. Here’s our video of the end of HMNZS Manawanui https://t.co/I5A8KOV7nJ pic.twitter.com/uscYuCuYno
— Dave Poole (@pooliecoast) October 6, 2024
Defence Minister Judith Collins expressed doubts about salvaging the vessel, stating it was likely beyond recovery. Among those on board were civilian scientists and foreign military personnel, with some treated for minor injuries.
There was a significant amount of fuel on the ship, raising concerns about environmental impact. Collins noted New Zealand would be responsible if a spill occurred. The incident has highlighted issues with New Zealand’s ageing military equipment, with a March report describing the navy as “extremely fragile” due to staffing problems.
Golding confirmed the ship underwent usual maintenance before deployment and that the captain had two years of experience commanding the vessel.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Associated Press reports that Samoa warns of a highly probable oil spill from a grounded New Zealand navy ship off its coast, following the ship’s sinking and catching fire.(read more)
- KTZV reports on Samoa’s warning of a probable oil spill from a New Zealand navy ship that sank and caught fire, with New Zealand to hold an inquiry into the incident.(read more)
- 1News reports that an oil spill from the wreck of the Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Manawanui is “highly probable,” with the Samoan PM emphasizing environmental concerns and rescue efforts.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to the New Zealand navy ship near Samoa?
The HMNZS Manawanui grounded on a reef, caught fire, and sank.
Were there any casualties from the HMNZS Manawanui sinking?
No, all 75 people on board were safely evacuated.
Is an oil spill likely from the sunken navy ship?
Yes, an oil spill is considered ‘highly probable’ by officials.
What was the HMNZS Manawanui doing when it sank?
It was surveying a reef off the coast of Upolu, Samoa.
Will the HMNZS Manawanui be salvaged?
No, Defense Minister Judith Collins said the ship is ‘pretty much gone.’
