Update on HMNZS Manawanui sinking

The New Zealand Defence Force issued an update for media today, sending us the first official photos of HMNZS Manawanui in her current resting place.

CAPTION: A Royal New Zealand Navy diver examines the wreck of HMNZS Manawanui. New Zealand Defence Force photo.

Ongoing monitoring of the sunken ship – the first Royal New Zealand Navy commissioned ship lost since WWII – is being conducted under Operation Resolution.

Today’s media statement said NZDF continued to conduct daily beach surveys together with local authorities and had not found any evidence of pollution or fuel affecting the shoreline.

“RNZAF uncrewed aerial vehicles have been assisting with shoreline surveys,” the statement said.

“Diving continues with a focus on damage assessment and obtaining imagery to aid in the investigation and containment.

“An RNZAF P-8A Poseidon and crew have conducted several surveillance flights to provide imagery and assessments of the site.

“Tomorrow HMNZS Canterbury will arrive in Apia harbour to support the government of Samoa’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

“HMNZS Canterbury is also transporting equipment that can assist in the ongoing response to the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui.

“Three containers from the ship remain out on the reef.

“The team has emptied one of the containers and one was already empty.

“The New Zealand Defence Force task group ashore and Maritime NZ have confirmed that, so far, no pollution has been found on the shorelines, nor any deceased wildlife.”

Royal New Zealand Navy Ship HMNZS Manawanui hit a reef off the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa, on Saturday 5 October, and sank less than 12 hours later.

She is now resting in about 30m of water.

A Court of Inquiry into the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui has been convened.

 

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