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One year on from the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui, New Zealand continues with financial and local reparations to the impacted community in Samoa.
The New Zealand Defence Force continues to work alongside the Samoan government and local community, which was most impacted by the wreckage, a year on from the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui,
Last week, the NZ government paid nearly $6 million in compensation, which NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters said was “the right thing” to do, in response to the cultural and physical wreckage caused to the local environment.
“We recognise the impact the sinking has had on local communities and acknowledge the disruption it caused,” Minister Peters said.
On 6 October 2024, the vessel collided into a reef on Samoa’s coast, causing debris and diesel to be littered into the surrounding waters. All 75 people onboard survived.
An investigation conducted by NZ in April this year found that the lack of experience and training from crew, as well as the capabilities of the hydrographic vessel, were the main causes of the sinking, highlighting the “series of human errors” that contributed.
Captain Rodger Ward, HMNZS Manawanui Response Lead, said “further work is required” into assessing the impacts of the sinking and where to go from here.
“That work includes progressing an independent wreck assessment together with environmental studies. This information will be essential in supporting decisions about the future work required.”
“The priority remains, as it has been throughout, to minimise any environmental impacts of the sinking and to support the government of Samoa in its response,” he said.
In a statement released by the New Zealand Defence Force, they noted that monitoring conducted by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa found that seawater in the region of the wreckage is now completely clear and uncontaminated from elevated hydrocarbons.
“One year on we recognise the impact that the sinking has had on the people of Samoa, particularly the communities of the south coast, and also the support the NZDF has received from the government and people of Samoa in dealing with the aftermath,” CAPT Ward said.
RNZ Pacific spoke to village elders who relied on the area for fishing and resources, who said the sinking has caused continued damage to the region.
“Fishing here in Tafitoala is indeed a failure now, fish and meat and oysters and any kind of seafood are now limited,” Taula Leka Leituala said.
“The ship needs to be removed because come to think of it, when the metal from the ship rots, I am pretty sure this whole village’s livelihood will be impacted.”
CAPT Ward said disciplinary action is “yet to be determined” but investigations are being finalised.
