The sinking of the Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Samoa in October 2024 has been attributed to significant training deficiencies and confusion regarding the vessel’s autopilot system. A recent Court of Inquiry report revealed a series of failures that culminated in this tragic incident, marking the first loss of a New Zealand naval ship at sea since World War II.
The HMNZS Manawanui sank after running aground during a hydrographic survey.
All 75 crew members were safely evacuated.
The inquiry identified 12 contributing factors, including inadequate training and poor risk management.
Immediate actions have been taken to address the issues raised in the report.
Incident Overview
On October 5, 2024, the HMNZS Manawanui was conducting a hydrographic survey near Upolu, Samoa, when it ran aground on a reef. The ship sank the following day, prompting a military inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The inquiry’s findings highlighted a lack of training and experience among the crew, which played a critical role in the disaster.
Findings of the Inquiry
The Court of Inquiry’s final report, released recently, outlined several key deficiencies:
Training Gaps: Crew members lacked sufficient training and qualifications for the tasks they were assigned.
Autopilot Confusion: The crew did not realize the ship was on autopilot, leading to delays in response as they attempted to regain control.
Poor Risk Management: There were significant failures in assessing and mitigating risks associated with the survey operation.
Weak Leadership and Supervision: The report noted inadequate supervision and leadership, contributing to the crew’s inability to respond effectively.
Operational Pressures: Time constraints and operational pressures affected decision-making processes.
Hollowness of the Navy: The report described a broader issue within the New Zealand Navy, indicating a lean and inexperienced workforce that has been forced to take risks due to resource constraints.
Recommendations for Improvement
In light of the findings, the inquiry proposed nine key recommendations aimed at enhancing safety and operational standards:
Enhance Training Programs: Improve training and qualifications for crew members.
Revise Risk Management Protocols: Implement better risk assessment tools and procedures.
Strengthen Leadership: Focus on improving leadership and supervision within the Navy.
Upgrade Equipment: Ensure that lifesaving equipment and operational protocols are up to date.
Address Operational Readiness: Tackle gaps in operational readiness and capability.
Response from Navy Officials
Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of the Navy, acknowledged the report’s findings and emphasized the need for immediate and long-term changes within the Navy. He stated that the organization has already begun implementing some recommendations based on preliminary findings from an earlier report.
Defense Minister Judith Collins echoed these sentiments, calling for a comprehensive upgrade of New Zealand’s military capabilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Environmental Concerns
Following the sinking, there were concerns about potential environmental damage to the reef and surrounding waters. However, subsequent assessments confirmed that seawater and marine life in the area remained uncontaminated. The New Zealand military has since removed pollutants from the wreck site, and salvage operations are ongoing to recover equipment and weapons from the sunken vessel.
The inquiry’s findings serve as a critical reminder of the importance of training and preparedness in military operations, as the Navy seeks to learn from this incident and restore public trust.
Sources
New Zealand Navy Ship Sank Due To Inadequate Training & Poor Risk Management, Marine Insight.
Crew of New Zealand navy ship that sank off Samoa lacked training and experience, inquiry finds, Houston Chronicle.
Crew of sunken navy ship lacked training, experience, Borneo Bulletin.
New Zealand Court of Inquiry Identifies Training in Loss of Survey Vessel, The Maritime Executive.
Crew of New Zealand navy ship that sank off Samoa lacked training and experience, ABC News.
