A New Zealand navy vessel, the HMNZS Manawanui, tragically sank off the coast of Samoa in October after a series of human errors led to the ship being left on autopilot. This incident marks the first time New Zealand has lost a naval ship at sea since World War II.
According to a preliminary report from a military Court of Inquiry, the crew failed to disengage the autopilot, which resulted in the ship maintaining its course towards land and ultimately running aground on a reef near Upolu, Samoa. The ship caught fire and eventually sank, but all 75 crew members were safely evacuated.
Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of the New Zealand Navy, stated during a press conference in Auckland, "The direct cause of the grounding has been determined as a series of human errors which meant the ship’s autopilot was not disengaged when it should have been." He further explained that the crew mistakenly believed the ship's failure to respond to direction changes was due to a thruster control failure.
The Defense Minister, Judith Collins, expressed her disappointment over the incident, describing it as a "terrible day" for the navy. She emphasized that the navy is committed to learning from this situation and regaining public trust.
The HMNZS Manawanui, one of only nine ships in New Zealand's navy, was conducting a survey of the ocean floor when the accident occurred. Concerns have been raised about potential environmental damage due to the ship carrying 950 tons of diesel. However, officials have reported that most of the fuel burned off in the fire, and no significant environmental impact has been recorded.
The Court of Inquiry is expected to continue its investigation into the first quarter of next year, with a separate disciplinary process anticipated for those involved. Rear Admiral Golding assured the public, "We will own it, fix it, and learn from it."
New Zealand Navy Ship Sinks After Crew Leaves Autopilot On
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