Samoan Seas Mishap: Unveiling the Manawanui Incident

The New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Manawanui ran aground off Samoa due to human error. An inquiry revealed the autopilot failure was misdiagnosed by the crew. Thankfully, all 75 crew members survived. A comprehensive investigation into the incident is underway, alongside a separate disciplinary process.

In a significant maritime mishap, the HMNZS Manawanui, a Royal New Zealand Navy vessel, tragically ran aground and sank off the coast of Samoa, as revealed by a government-initiated inquiry on Friday.

The incident occurred on October 5 when the vessel grounded on a reef while performing survey operations. Despite the accident, all 75 crew members survived. Rear Admiral Gavin Golding identified human error as the key cause, highlighting that the ship's autopilot was mistakenly not disengaged.

A broader inquiry is set to explore why the crew failed to detect the autopilot error, with results expected next year. Meanwhile, a separate disciplinary process will commence post-inquiry. Compounding these challenges, the New Zealand Navy is grappling with personnel shortages, leaving multiple ships idle.

(With inputs from agencies.)