Royal New Zealand Navy ship grounds off Samoa Coast.

According to information published by the New Zealand Ministry of Defence on October 8, 2024, a Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) ship, HMNZS Manawanui, ran aground near the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa, while conducting a reef survey. The grounding incident has triggered a comprehensive rescue and environmental response, with the safety of all personnel successfully ensured.
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The multi-role offshore support vessel HMNZS Manawanui sailed in formation alongside other ships during Exercise RIMPAC 2020. (Picture source: Dvids)

The 75 crew members and passengers aboard the vessel evacuated safely using life rafts and sea boats. They were supported by several vessels that responded to the incident and are currently receiving assistance in Samoa. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) worked in close coordination with Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) to manage rescue efforts. A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft was deployed to assist in the operation.

HMNZS Manawanui sank in waters approximately 30 meters deep. RNZN divers began assessing the wreck at first light the following day to evaluate environmental impacts and determine the necessary clean-up measures. A light oil sheen was observed on the water, though it is being naturally dispersed by wind and waves. The site of the sunken ship has since been declared a prohibited area by Samoan authorities.

The primary cause of the grounding remains unclear, with investigations ongoing. Initial reports suggest challenging conditions, such as strong currents and winds, may have contributed to the ship's inability to recover after striking the reef.

The incident highlights vulnerabilities in RNZN fleet readiness, as the loss of Manawanui—a vital hydrographic and dive-support vessel—leaves the fleet with only eight operational ships, further straining a force already dealing with maintenance and crew shortages. A formal Court of Inquiry is being established to investigate the incident in detail, aiming to identify any procedural or technical failures that contributed to the accident.

New Zealand

The recent sinking of HMNZS Manawanui intersects with New Zealand's evolving geopolitical environment, especially as the country navigates a complex relationship with China and the broader Indo-Pacific security landscape. New Zealand has historically balanced its economic reliance on China with its security relationships, primarily with Western allies like Australia and the United States. However, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly concerning China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea and broader regional influence, are pressuring New Zealand to re-evaluate its foreign and defense policies.

The loss of Manawanui not only weakens New Zealand’s naval capabilities but also occurs at a time when the country is increasingly involved in regional security frameworks, such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) and discussions around joining Pillar II of AUKUS.

This signals a potential shift toward deeper defense cooperation with Western allies, which may strain its relationship with China—a critical trading partner. New Zealand has sought to diversify its trade relationships to reduce its dependency on China, reflecting the need for strategic flexibility amid growing U.S.-China rivalry.