New Zealand naval vessel HMNZS Manawanui lies at the bottom of the ocean just a few kilometres off the coast of Siumu and now poses a possible ecological disaster.

The HMNZS Manawanui sank after running aground on the southwest coast of Upolu Island and has left local fishermen and residents of Sa'anapu-tai grappling with the aftermath. 

The HMNZS Manawanui hit the reef on Saturday night and then started tilting. It eventually caught fire and sank.

The ship was deployed a week ago and was on a journey to chart Samoa's waters and produce the latest charts. The last charts were produced in 1987.

On board were 75 personnel. 

There are no reports yet on what happened and how the ship ran aground on the reef. According to reports, unsuccessful attempts were made to get the ship off the reef before it began to lean to one side.

The passengers and crew were evacuated using four life rafts and two rigid hull inflatable boats, New Zealand's Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding told media in New Zealand. This effort was reinforced with local authorities arriving and ensuring a successful rescue.

It took the first survivors five hours to get to shore because of the strong currents and high waves. It was reported that one of the small boats “flipped on the reef” during the rescue attempt and those who were on board walked to land.

Samoa Fire and Emergency Services fire commissioner Tanuvasa Petone said three people who were on board needed hospital treatment.

He said the three had minor injuries, and were treated at the site and transferred to the hospital.

According to reports one person had a dislocated shoulder, while another had injured their back.

After all the survivors were ashore, the ship caught fire, capsized and sank. It was underwater by 9 am on Sunday.

This includes the disturbing odour of leaking oil from the vessel. Residents of Sa'anapu-Tai were first alerted to the crisis on Saturday night when they noticed a strong burning smell that permeated their homes. 

Fesili Tauta, a 37-year-old fisherman and father of five, recalled how the smell intensified when the HMNZS Manawanui ran aground before ultimately catching fire. "My wife thought I was lighting a fire," Tauta said, explaining how the odour disrupted their peaceful evening. 

"We were shocked to see police cars and rescue boats arriving as the situation escalated." Fortunately, no local fishermen were out at sea that night due to adverse weather conditions, a factor that Tauta credits with avoiding potential tragedy. 

"Had it been a normal night, many would have been out fishing, and we would have been directly impacted by the situation," he noted.

The Rescue Operation

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

Acting Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio detailed the coordinated rescue efforts at a press conference later that evening. 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. Tuala praised the collaborative efforts of local authorities and expressed gratitude for the swift actions that ensured the safety of the crew.

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. 

Environmental impact worry

Despite the successful rescue, the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui poses serious environmental risks, particularly concerning potential oil spills that could devastate local coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Local fisherman Tauta voiced the concerns of many local residents, emphasising the need for swift action to mitigate the impact on the fishing-dependent community. 

"We hope those responsible will address this situation quickly," he urged.

In response to these environmental concerns, the National Emergency Operations Centre (N.E.O.C.), led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.), is conducting an environmental impact assessment. The Acting Prime Minister assured the public that preventing further damage to the coral reefs and addressing the oil spill are top priorities.

New Zealand and others to help prevent ecological woes

The situation has garnered attention not only from local authorities but also from the New Zealand government. Tuala confirmed that Prime Minister Chris Luxon expressed gratitude for Samoa’s quick response and offered assistance to address the aftermath of the incident. The New Zealand Defence Force is sending resources, including aircraft, to facilitate further efforts.

Defence Minister Judith Collins also extended her thoughts to the crew and their families, acknowledging the shock of the incident and thanking the Samoan people for their courageous assistance.

The Future of the HMNZS Manawanui

As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the vessel's grounding, the HMNZS Manawanui is confirmed to be unsalvageable. Originally purchased for over NZD$100 million in 2018, the vessel was engaged in a reef survey at the time of the incident. It had recently completed its third deployment in the southwest Pacific since departing Auckland in late September.

The New Zealand Defence Force is now coordinating efforts to repatriate the crew, with a Super Hercules aircraft dispatched to bring in medical supplies, and environmental experts and possibly take home the rescued crew members.

Tuala remarked that the incident serves as a testament to Samoa's readiness to respond to crises, particularly in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled to be hosted in Apia.

The sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui has highlighted both the risks associated with maritime operations and the resilience of local communities in the face of adversity. As the situation develops, authorities and environmental agencies are working diligently to assess and mitigate the impacts of this unfortunate event, ensuring that both human safety and the health of Samoa's precious marine ecosystems remain a priority.