The rescuers' joint effort prevented the loss of lives in the HMNZS Manawanui mishap. All those involved should be commended for their effort and realise the importance of a well-coordinated mission.

It was a job well done. Praises were sent from the New Zealand government and new bonds were made between the rescuers and the navy personnel. The Samoa Police, Samoa Fires and Emergency Services and the private companies involved showed great teamwork.

Following the distress call received at 6:58 pm on Saturday from the Rescue Coordination Centre in Wellington, New Zealand, local authorities sprang into action.

The Samoa Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and the Disaster Management Office all contributed to a rapid response, mobilising resources to assist the crew of the HMNZS Manawanui.

At 7:19 pm, it was reported that the vessel's crew would have to abandon the ship, prompting the immediate deployment of rescue boats.

By 5:00 am Sunday, all 75 crew members had been rescued, with most receiving only minor medical assistance. From the time the ship struck the reef and before it sank, it also caught fire. The Samoa Observer found out that the crew had just finished cleaning up the ship and were getting ready for dinner when it struck the reef.

It is possible that the fire started from the kitchen but that will be ascertained by the investigation.

Nafanua III rescued 18 crew, 11 were rescued by LadbrogCable Vessel, 10 were rescued by Ark Marine Company Ltd Vessel and 36 were rescued by S.P.P.C.S. with the assistance of S.F.E.S.A. small boats. All 75 crew members were transported to the New Zealand High Commission residence for welfare purposes. Three were taken to the hospital due to the injuries they suffered.

Rescuers battled currents and winds that were pushing the life rafts and sea boats toward the reefs, and swells made the rescue effort particularly challenging. The open sea forgives no one. We all know the power of the currents beyond the reefs.

The sailors who were in the water soon after the ship struck the reef were the ones who were left at the mercy of nature. Had the currents been stronger and the seas rougher, the result would have been different.

"We are very grateful for the assistance of everyone involved, from RCCNZ who coordinated rescue efforts, to the vessels which responded and took our crew and passengers from Manawanui to safety," New Zealand Maritime Component Commander Commodore Shane Arndell said.

The New Zealand government has ordered a commission of inquiry to find out how the NZ$100 million ship ended up at the bottom of the ocean. It is not known if the ship was anchored or not. It has also not been disclosed if the anchor was moved by the strong currents.

On the local front, the biggest concern is the environmental impact the ship might cause. The biggest concern is the ship’s fuel. If the fuel is leaking and not controlled, there is a chance that it will get pushed to shore by the current and the tide. Villages depend on the sea as an important food source. There is an imminent danger to food and marine life.

This was HMNZS Manawanui’s third deployment to the South West Pacific this year. The ship had a series of activities scheduled including in the Kermadec Islands, Samoa, Tokelau and Niue. It can only be assumed that the ship was carrying a fair amount of fuel.

It was good to note that the response towards the environmental impact was swift from the New Zealand government. We hope that this is the most important thing on the list of things to do for the New Zealand and Samoa governments.

This tragedy has garnered international attention. This is perhaps a reminder for our maritime authority to check the provisions for safety on all local vessels service inter-island routes. All vessels must be equipped with adequate life rafts and life-saving devices. The communication equipment on board all vessels should be able to send distress signals in the time of need.

Safety at sea is very important. Every year we hear of lives being lost due to not following safety guidelines or not heeding marine weather warnings. Let us just do an audit of all registered vessels.

We also hope that the experts who have visited the site of the sunken ship can let us know of the dangers we face from the fuel.